The government has "seriously underestimated" future demand for air travel and the impact of an associated rise in passenger numbers, a Local Government Association (LGA) report warned today.
A full review of the government's 2003 aviation white paper and its forecasts for air traffic growth is now essential, according to the LGA's strategic aviation special interest group.
"The aviation white paper may only be three years old, but it is already self-evident that its forecasts of future demand for air travel, which underpin the government's aviation policies, have seriously underestimated future demand," said Councillor Richard Worrall, who chairs the strategic aviation group.
He continued: "In six out of the last eight years, passenger growth has exceeded government forecasts. If this is allowed to continue then additional capacity above the white paper proposals will be required.
"[The group] does not believe the impact of this growth is sustainable and this is why a full review is now essential."
The government is due to give a progress report on its aviation white paper next month.
According to the LGA study, the government should consider setting a more sustainable rate of growth, closer to 2% a year rather than the current rate of around 5%.
Another option would be to bring in a range of policies at international and local level to ensure that the "polluter pays principle" was imposed on the aviation industry, the report said.
In addition, rail services should be improved so trains could be more competitive with the short-haul airlines.
The study also urged the government to consider slowing or halting the expansion of airports in certain locations in favour of growth at a smaller number of airports throughout the UK.
This option could see at least one new airport built in a location where high levels of traffic growth could be acceptable and economically beneficial to the UK.
"We accept that the UK economy and its people have much to gain from a successful aviation industry," said Cllr Worrall. "But there is universal recognition that the aviation industry is one of the fastest growing contributors to global warming."
He added: "The government's own Stern report is a stark reminder to us all of the consequences of not taking action now to address the issues.
A Department for Transport spokesman said the government welcomed the group's recognition of the social and economic benefits of aviation and the need for a long-term strategy for its development.
The spokesman added: "However, the white paper does not support unconstrained growth, nor does it give the 'aviation industry permission to build new terminals and runways wherever and whenever they are wanted to meet demand'.
"It supports making better use of existing capacity as a priority and targeted infrastructure enhancements over the long term.
"The white paper provides a sustainable strategy for tackling the global and local environmental challenges of air travel whilst recognising business' needs and peoples' increasing aspirations to travel."
