Tube Noise written answers
Question No: 2021/0860
Andrew Dismore
When will TfL return to taking noise measurements? For understandable reasons they have been deferred, but given the volume of noise complaints over the last few months, will you resume testing?
Answer for Tube noise sound testing
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Tube noise sound testing
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
In mid-December 2020, as result of London being moved into tier 3 (“Very high alert”) of the government’s coronavirus restrictions system, Transport for London (TfL) temporarily suspended its residential noise monitoring programme. However, TfL’s work to address noise and vibration issues on the network, including rail grinding, is continuing during this period.
Given the national lockdown announced earlier this year, TfL does not plan to resume residential noise monitoring under the current level of restrictions. TfL is now assessing the government’s recent announcement regarding a roadmap out of the current lockdown, and will continue to keep London Assembly members updated on its plans to resume monitoring.
Question No: 2021/1102
Andrew Dismore
What are the latest findings of the Delkor track fastening trials? When will a decision be made on the roll out of this track fastening?
Tube Noise [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Transport for London (TfL) is continuing to trial an alternative rail fastening product called Delkor 167 on the Jubilee line, which it hopes will reduce in-carriage noise.
As a result of the coronavirus outbreak and the required focus on safety critical works, this work has unfortunately been delayed.
Although its noise monitoring programme is currently suspended as a result of current coronavirus restrictions, TfL expects to have further information on the impact of this product on residential and in-carriage noise levels by summer 2021, and if successful will review plans to introduce it at other locations.
Question No: 2021/1103
Andrew Dismore
What is the cause of the recent increase in tube noise in Golders Green? Have TfL officers assessed this?
Tube Noise [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Transport for London (TfL) is aware of recent complaints in this area, and is currently carrying out work to improve the condition of the track by removing ballast from underneath it. This work is expected to be complete later this month, and TfL hopes it will help reduce disturbance experienced by residents.
While residential noise monitoring is currently suspended as a result of the Government’s coronavirus restrictions, TfL will carry out further measurements in this area upon the resumption of its residential noise monitoring programme
Question No: 2021/1104
Andrew Dismore
What is the latest update regarding Finchley Central and the friction modifier to reduce tube noise?
Tube Noise [3]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
TfL is continuing to progress plans to fit electrical lubricators in this area and believes this could help mitigate noise by more reliably applying lubrication to the track. TfL expects installation will start in this area in spring 2021.
While residential noise monitoring is currently suspended as a result of the Government’s coronavirus restrictions, TfL will carry out further measurements in this area upon the resumption of its residential noise monitoring programme.
Question No: 2021/1105
Andrew Dismore
TfL have told residents at Fitzroy Square that grinding is unnecessary, as noise is not caused by the condition of the rail. Is this accurate? If so, what is the cause of the noise in excess of 50Db in homes there?
Tube Noise [4]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Rail grinding is now planned for this area, and is due to take place on the northbound track early next month.
TfL’s most recent measurements in this area, carried out last year, showed average noise levels of up to 43dB. Once residential noise monitoring has resumed, which is expected in early April, TfL will ensure that updated readings are carried out in this area.
Question No: 2021/1106
Andrew Dismore
What is your next plan for tackling tube noise if the Delkor trials are unsuccessful?
Tube Noise [5]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Tackling Tube noise continues to be a priority for me and for Transport for London (TfL).
TfL expects to have further information on the impact of the Delkor 167 trial by summer 2021 and, if successful, will review plans to introduce this alternative rail fastening at other locations.
In addition, TfL is continuing to tackle Tube noise through a number of different methods. This includes rail grinding, which works by smoothing rails and removing corrugation, which is often the root cause of residential noise. TfL has carried out over 10,000 metres of noise and vibration-related rail grinding in the last six months. TfL will continue to carry out rail grinding, as well as other targeted interventions to reduce noise, including the removal of redundant rail joints, the maintenance of points and crossings, and re-ballasting track where required.
While TfL continues to do all it can to address Tube noise, its ability to carry out long-term and expensive interventions is limited without a sustainable long-term funding agreement.
Question No: 2021/1107
Andrew Dismore
What discussions are TfL having with universities and the private sector researchers and engineers to look at other solutions to reduce tube noise?
Tube Noise [7]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Tube noise is a priority both for me and Transport for London (TfL).
TfL continues to have an open dialogue with manufacturers about what noise and vibration solutions are available on the market. Although TfL is not currently aware of other products which would be suitable for London Underground’s unique infrastructure – with the exception of the ongoing trial of Delkor 167 on the Jubilee line – this is kept under continuous review.
