Data revealed by a Freedom of Information (FOI) request shows that just three fines worth 705 in total have been issued. The Liberal Democrats urged TfL to bring in "real consequences" to those breaking its byelaws on nuisance noise while Reform UK called it a "dire record of enforcement". TfL said the "vast majority of our customers are considerate" and that "enforcement is a last resort".
In February the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said she was minded to approve its second runway plan, after planning inspectors initially recommended refusal. However, she outlined potential conditions, including making most passengers take the train rather than a car to the airport, which Gatwick only partly agreed to accept. Gatwick said it still needs time to examine the small print of the decision, announced five weeks ahead of the deadline, but which appears to reframe public transport quotas as targets rather than binding.