Consultation document is 'bewildering jargon'

A document outlining plans for the expansion of Heathrow Airport has been criticised for its "bewildering" English.

The Plain English Campaign said the 238-page consultation paper setting out the Department for Transport's case for a third runway and sixth terminal was full of "technological terminology" and "excessive jargon".

Campaign founder Chrissie Maher said: "How can this be a true consultation if most readers cannot understand the document?"

There was also criticism from Edward Lister, the leader of Wandsworth council, which is holding a public meeting tonight for residents to discuss the proposals.

He said: "Many people have said they find the consultation document and the eight-page questionnaire bewildering. Yet so much of the vital information on environmental impact and economic benefits is missing."

Supporters say it is needed to cater for growing numbers of air travellers. Critics say it would make 10,000 people homeless and are concerned about noise.

A DfT spokesman said: "This document is only one of a number of ways people can find out more."

Tonight's public meeting is at St Mary's Church, Putney Bridge, at 7.30pm. The consultation ends on 27 February.

JUST TO CLARIFY...

What the document says: Periodic emissions cost assessment.

DfT's definition: An assessment measuring the potential cost of the climate change emissions against tax contribution.

Document: External climate change costs.

DfT: The costs that society will have to pay to adapt to or repair the effects of climate change.

Document: Net present value terms.

DfT: The sum of costs and benefits in future years, all expressed in the current year.

Document: Mixed mode operations.

DfT: A method of operating two runways which allows a mix of both take-offs and landings on each.

Document: International connectivity.

DfT: The existence of reliable and varied transport links - whether by rail, ferry or air - between the UK and foreign destinations.