Press Release

BAA Gatwick – Notice of emergency exercise on 5 March

 

14 February 2008

An exercise will take place at Gatwick Airport on 5 March 2008, between 7 pm and 10 pm, to test plans to deal with a major fuel leak. Although the likelihood of such a leak is low, legally required plans are in place and these need to be tested.

The airport will operate normally during the exercise and passengers and the public will not be affected, although they may notice additional emergency service activity in the vicinity of the airport. Vehicles involved in the exercise will not be using warning devices on public roads. If any are seen or heard that evening, then they will be responding to actual emergencies, so drivers should give way to them.

Those living close to the northwest side of the airport may hear a new siren that is used to alert airport staff to an incident. Only people who have been pre-notified need take any action on hearing this siren. This will be tested at the start of the exercise, somewhere between 7.15 and 7.30 pm.

Airport staff may experience minor delays on Perimeter Road North, Fuel Farm Road, Timberham Farm Road, Timberham Way, Cargo Forecourt Road and at RVP South and are advised to avoid these areas if possible, or allow extra time.

Participating in the exercise are the airport fuel companies, their spillage contractors, BAA Gatwick,
the Environment Agency, Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council and West Sussex Fire & Rescue
Service. Some other agencies will be receiving information during the exercise in accordance with the
plan.

Note to editors:

No media facilities will be available during the exercise.

Media enquiries :

Andrew McCallum, Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Tel: +44 (0)7827 983965
Email: andrew.mccallum@gatwickairport.com

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