Keeping communities informed

Over the last two years we have invested heavily to upgrade our noise and track keeping systems  at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. As well as monitoring airlines’ compliance with noise restrictions at the airports, the new system helps us to keep local communities better informed of our efforts to prevent noise. This is a vital part of communicating clearly to local people.

In May 2007 we launched a new website to provide a 'one-stop-shop' for people living around Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airports who want to know more about aircraft noise. The site has a ‘WebTrak’ feature linked to the track-keeping system. This enables users to view actual flight tracks of aircraft arriving and departing at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted and see how high planes fly in relation to where they live or work. The flight data is delayed by between 24 and 48 hours for security reasons.

The website also provides information on the causes of noise, and enables people to find out about aircraft noise in their communities. People can also make a noise complaint or enquiry using an online system that helps us to respond quickly and efficiently.

The airport sites are available through www.baa.com/noise.