Planes switch runways at 1500 GMT everyday

The survey for the Mayor of London showed 75% said getting a period of quiet is important to residents.

Of those asked, 74% said switching runways - which happens at 1500 GMT everyday at Heathrow - is significant.

According to campaigners, proposals to end the alternation in order to increase capacity are expected to be released this year.

John Stewart, chairman of residents' campaign group HACAN Clearskies, said: "The people of west London value their half day's peace and quiet.

The vast majority of Londoners living under the Heathrow flight path value the half a day's peace and quiet Ken Livingstone

"The Government should listen to what is being said and withdraw any plans to end runway alternation."

The research carried out by ICM Research surveyed residents living in eight London boroughs under the flight path.

It found 40% were bothered by aircraft noise during the day and 44% feel it has got worse over the last 10 years.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "The vast majority of Londoners living under the Heathrow flight path value the half a day's peace and quiet they get from runway alternation and want to see this retained."

Jenny Jones, of the London Assembly Green party, said: "Ending runway alternation would make a bad situation even worse.

"The message from Londoners is loud and clear, expansion of Heathrow should be ruled out, permanently."