New Transport Secretary pledges to end chaos of Heathrow queues
Frustrating queues at Heathrow will be abolished in a radical shake-up of Britain's biggest airport.
New Transport Secretary Philip Hammond used an exclusive interview in the Evening Standard to reveal plans to end "Heathrow hassle" such as security waits, lost luggage and endless queuing.
The Minister disclosed that a new system of cash incentives will reward investment by operator BAA in better facilities and staff. The overhaul is being prepared for a deadline of 2013, replacing old regulations that date back to the Seventies.
In future profits will depend on meeting a range of targets, from queue-length at security screening to ease of car parking.
"It means we pay the operator more when he makes the queues shorter," said Mr Hammond. "At the moment it does not work like that. The airport economic regulation model . . . is hopelessly out of date, mired in Seventies thinking."
Old airport regulations are criticised for putting airlines before passengers, because although BAA exists to serve passengers its paying customers are the airlines themselves.
Mr Hammond added: "What we want is a regime that says to BAA: Part of the money you get, part of your profitability, will depend on the passengers' experience through the airport'."
In other comments, Mr Hammond revealed he favours more variable speed limits on trunk roads, which might allow faster driving at night.
And he pledged that the budget to repair millions of potholes left by the cold winter is safe from Treasury cuts, including the full £3.8 million promised to mend London's streets.
He also confirmed that London's Crossrail project is safe, but said every mile of track must be scoured for savings.
