The figure of 12-18Bn for the access works is a huge amount and needs breaking down and putting into context. We are talking about a major intersection of two of the busiest motorways and access into the UK's busiest airport all within a square mile. The current setup requires upgrading now as anyone who has to negotiate that part of the M25 in rush hour knows. That won't come cheap.
I presume TFL have lumped in all sorts of works and contingency costs into this figure along with a huge amount of risk. I cannot believe the access works will be in that region. Without the project being allowed to move into the next design and tendering phase however we won't get further clarification.
One thing people need to understand is that a large amount of that figure will come straight back into the public purse from all the various taxes imposed on the project and the staff/companies involved. The project will likely be carried out by companies and workers from all over the UK who will take that money home and spend in in the local economy. Materials will be made in factories all over the UK. This goes for the privately financed amount as well as the portion from the taxpayer.
The same goes for projects like Hinckley and HS2 and is why it is possible to build out of a recession. Taking private finance and putting it into a large infrastructure project is a great way to put other peoples money into the economy. It also provides a countrywide benefit despite the final project being based in the SE. The money does not just disappear.
Which brings me to another point. An expanded LHR that allows people to fly from their regional airport to destinations all over the world does benefit the whole of the UK. It is wrong to think of it as another SE project that will only benefit London. The nation really should get behind this and it's a shame the MAN supporters feel so threatened.
If MAN or any other airport can support a direct flight then good for them. If MAN can only support it because people are having to travel all over the north to get there though then it is not really working and a LHR hub would be a better option as it will also allow more destinations that no airport, even LHR in it's current form could support. This in turn brings in people from further afield than the UK and that is worth a lot of money to our economy.
Hopefully the right decision will be made as for the majority of people an expanded LHR is a win win situation.