Tube Noise answers June 2019
Question No: 2019/12165
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2019/9216
‘Tube noise has not been reduced sufficiently for a number of residents, who have suffered ground borne noise well in excess of 50Db, in some case for several years and in one case rendering the property uninhabitable. in such cases will you now consider compensating residents, if necessary buying their property?’
Your answer being:
‘Transport for London (TfL) understands the importance of minimising noise levels for its neighbours and is determined to do more to achieve it. TfL is focussing its efforts on tackling tube noise and vibration at source, not through compensation. It has carried out works near over 200 homes most affected by noise, installing thousands of new track fastenings, hundreds of metres of new track, grinding rails and removing rail joints where no longer necessary. Where current technology does not reduce noise levels, TfL will continue working with suppliers and academics to innovate and develop new technology to reduce noise levels across the network.’
When TfL have been unable to reduce noise and vibration at source or provide other mitigation measures, what do you propose those who suffer this excessive noise should do as it may be many years if at all, that Tfl find other ways to reduce noise? And as homes are rendered uninhabitable and unsalable by noise in the most extreme cases, do you not think that compensation should be provided or TfL should offer to purchase the properties affected?
Tube noise [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 25 June, 2019
Transport for London (TfL) is committed to reducing the noise experienced by people who live above or close to the Tube, and will continue to take all reasonable measures to minimise noise and limit the disruption it causes. This includes prioritising sites which are experiencing the highest noise levels.
Regrettably, there are some areas where noise cannot currently be reduced to standards expected by residents. TfL continues to work alongside industry and academia to further understand noise and vibration, to trial new products and innovative solutions, and work towards reducing noise and vibration for these residents.
TfL continues to focus its efforts on tackling Tube noise and vibration at source, not through compensation.
Question No: 2019/12166
Andrew Dismore
TfL have now adopted the dubious practice of recording noise complaints about the tube as ‘closed’ after they have done what measures they are prepared to do even if those measures have not resolved the complaints; these cases are far from closed as far as affected residents are concerned; will you instruct TfL to stop this and keep those cases open until a satisfactory mitigation of the noise has taken place?
Tube noise [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 25 June, 2019
Transport for London (TfL) does not intend to close noise complaints when the resident considers the case ongoing.
Where residents have been provided an update regarding their case (for example to say that best practicable means have been reached in this area, and no further work to the track is possible) and no response is received from the resident, the complaint will be closed. Any resident can reopen their case by contacting TfL’s Contact Centre by emailing customerservice@tfl.gov.uk. Even in cases where a complaint has been closed by the Contact Centre, residents will still be advised if further works are planned.
Question No: 2019/12167
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2019/9220
‘Although noise may have been reduced slightly in some locations such as Finchley Central, it did not exist at all before the speed increases and northbound track upgrades. Why can Transport for London not return this noise to previous level?’
Your answer being
‘The northbound track upgrade was undertaken as part of Transport for London’s (TfL) wider programme of track renewals and upgrades. These works are essential for TfL to) to maintain reliability and safety on its network.
TfL is aware of recent complaints about tube noise in this area and will undertake further noise measurements and carry out practicable mitigations to reduce noise at affected properties.’
As this problem is not going away, as more noise problems continue to emerge across the Northern and Victoria lines, and as previous mitigation measures have been found to have only short to medium term effectiveness with old complaints now returning, when will TfL get a grip on this issue; and will you consider instructing TfL to look at speed restrictions , especially outside peak hours to mitigate noise pollution, as requested in the above original question, which was not answered?
Tube noise [3]
The Mayor
Last updated: 25 June, 2019
TfL is committed to reducing the noise experienced by people who live above or close to the Tube and will continue to take all reasonable measures to minimise noise and limit the disruption it causes.
As set out in Mayor’s Question 2019/9217, TfL is currently reviewing what criteria should be used when assessing requests for speed restrictions. Clearly, the use of speed restrictions needs to be carefully balanced against providing a level of service that London Underground customers reasonably expect. I’ve asked TfL to contact you to discuss this issue when the review has progressed.
Question No: 2019/12168
Andrew Dismore
What is the period of time that Pandrol Vanguard is expected significantly to reduce tube noise? What do you propose to do when the benefit of PV installation has worn off, as it is now doing at some sites where it was installed?
Tube noise [4]
The Mayor
Last updated: 25 June, 2019
The supplier of these products advises that they are expected to be effective for around ten years. Transport for London (TfL) has been installing resilient track fastenings for around three years, and they continue to be effective. As a relatively new methodology on the LU network, TfL continues to monitor the impact of this technology.
In cases where residents notice an increase in noise levels, they are encouraged to contact TfL’s Contact Centre by emailing customerservices@tfl.gov.uk. If noise measurements show that noise levels have increased, TfL will consider what further practicable works can be carried out and advise residents accordingly.
Question No: 2019/12169
Andrew Dismore
A constituent has had the following reply from TfL to his complaint about tube noise affecting his home:
‘In response to your noise complaint; we have opened, investigated, fed-back on work proposed and closed your complaint in line with the complaint noise & vibration process agreed by the Mayor.’
As the noise problem remains and is far from concluded do you consider closing his ongoing complaint to be appropriate; and will you publish the “complaint noise & vibration process” TfL say you have agreed?
Tube noise [5]
The Mayor
Last updated: 25 June, 2019
Where Transport for London (TfL) provides a response to a resident (for example to say that best practicable means have been reached in this area, and no further work to the track is possible at this time) and no response is received from the resident, it is normal practice for the complaint to be closed.
In this instance, TfL advised the constituents that track work would be carried out by October 2019 and that TfL will carry out further noise measurements after that time if noise levels are not reduced to what the constituent considers a satisfactory level. TfL then closed the case.
Following feedback from the constituent, the case was reopened. Any resident can reopen their case by contacting TfL’s Contact Centre. Even in cases where a complaint has been closed by the Contact Centre, residents will still be advised if further works are planned.
