What is the four-tier traffic light travel system proposed by Heathrow Airport?

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A new four-tier travel traffic light system has been proposed to the government by Heathrow Airport.

The once-busy aviation hub has suggested that blanket travel restrictions could be lifted in favour of a scheme that categorises destinations according to risk, with different rules for each.

It will be considered by the government’s Global TravelTaskforce, which is tasked with planning how and when foreign travel can resume safely and will update the country on the path ahead on 12 April.

Currently all holidays abroad are banned, with those who attempt unnecessary international travel liable for a £5,000 fine. The earliest the ban could lift is 17 May.

Here’s what we know so far.

Not to be confused with the potential three-colour traffic light system that has also been discussed previously, this idea originates from Heathrow Airport and is backed by new scientific studies by Oxera and Edge Health.

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It splits destinations into four categories based on risk – red, amber, yellow and green. The lower the risk, the less restrictions are in place, to enable smoother travel between the UK and countries with advanced vaccination programmes and low Covid-19 infection and death rates.

These are places with no variants of concern, successful vaccine rollouts and low case numbers. Travellers arriving from these countries would have no restrictions imposed upon them.

Those entering the UK from yellow list destinations wouldn’t need to quarantine but would be subject to other measures, such as pre-departure testing, presenting proof of vaccination and/or on-arrival testing.

Measures suggested for arrivals from amber countries include multiple Covid tests – pre-departure and on arrival – and a requirement to self-isolate, with early release possible for those who test negative again on day three.

This would build on the red list the government already has. In line with the rules already in place, arrivals would have to complete a hotel quarantine (currently at a cost of £1,750 for a single traveller) and undergo at least three tests.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has said ministers were looking at the idea, but was quick to add that it would be contingent on the situation in other European destinations, with a third wave of coronavirus infections currently sweeping various countries.

He told Sky’s Sophy Ridge of the scheme: “We’re exploring all these issues as part of the international travel taskforce. We consider all options as part of the travel taskforce.”

He added: “Clearly there are challenges around international travel, you only have to look across the continent and see the rising case rates in many of our nearest neighbours.

“It has been in the past the case that those rising infection rates have seen their way to the UK, we’re hopeful that won’t happen this time round because of our progress with the vaccine and so on, but we do need to be cautious about that.”

The suggested risk-based system implementation is just one of five priorities outlined by Heathrow in its proposal.

It also highlights the need for developing a UK ‘Digital Health Certification’ for international travel; argues for improved border force resources, technology and processes; calls for the UK to initiate a global approach; and demands a review of the aviation industry guidance in light of the UK’s reopening roadmap.

Heathrow’s chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: “The UK’s progress in the global vaccine race coupled with advances in testing, means that Ministers no longer need to choose between public health and the economy – a risk-based approach to international travel will allow us to protect them both.

“Restarting trade and travel to key markets like the US after 17 May will be key to the Government achieving its Global Britain ambitions and helping communities across the UK to level up.”