Councillors are asking Gatwick managers to explain how they will improve transport to deal with an expected extra 14 million passengers.

The British Airports Authority, owner and operator of Gatwick, wants to increase passenger numbers from 31 million to 45 million by 2014. It could also build a second runway after 2019 if Heathrow is deemed too polluted for further expansion.

Councillor Tex Pemberton, in charge of transport policies at West Sussex County Council,said: "We continue to oppose any suggestion of a second runway. There are still a number of issues to be worked through with the airport, for instance the road and rail structure needed to serve Gatwick's growth on a single runway."