A banner headline announced that a second runway at Gatwick had been ruled out forever (The Argus, June 24).

Gatwick already has a second runway. For many years, runway 08L/26R has served as a taxiway and emergency runway when repairs are being carried out to the parallel main runway, 08R/26L.

Ideally, one runway could serve for departures while the other serves for landings, thus significantly increasing capacity, easing stacking congestion and improving passenger safety.

If this has not been done, it is because wealthy residents of the area for years have successfully lobbied West Sussex County Council to prevent the second runway from being used.

The transport minister's hands are tied by an agreement dating back to 1979.

In consequence, taxpayers' money will be spent on building new runways and, possibly, a whole new airport elsewhere.

Meanwhile, travellers in the South East in increasing numbers will have to use Heathrow, Stansted or Luton, thus putting more pressure on road and rail.

This absurd situation is one more example of the neglect of long-term, integrated transport planning in Britain.

-Dr G W Irvin, Sussex Square, Brighton