NEW legislation could mean the Met Police are able to recoup some of the cost of securing London City Airport.

Changes instituted on April 1 mean the onus is now on UK airports to fund policing, which at London City is estimated to cost around �5.5 million.

London City said it was not in a position to comment on how much of the policing bill it will pick up, citing confidentiality over security matters.

But the change in the law will please airport expansion opponents who have long argued it is unfair for the taxpayer to cover the cost of policing a privately-owned airport.

John Biggs, London Assembly member for City & East, added: “I welcome the fact that London City Airport will now be required to pay for their own policing costs rather than the taxpayer.

“In these tough times we need to ensure that private business like airports or football clubs pay for the policing of their buildings.”