Environmental impacts – Noise
Working with the neighbours
Noise control is a top priority for Tube Lines. We carry out maintenance and construction work predominantly at night, when the network is closed to the public. We will have modernised or refurbished nearly 100 stations by 2010.
Objectives and statistics |
Policy objective:Preventing noise and nuisance from our activities using best practicable means. Measuring our progress:• We received 17 per cent fewer noise complaints in the period under review than during the equivalent time in 2005 |
Fewer complaints
In 2006, a 17 per cent decrease* in noise complaints seemed to indicate that our work to reduce noise is paying off. As well as liaising closely with the communities close to our sites we have focused on building relations with environmental health officers. “Keeping them informed about our works and the measures we take to reduce noise has brought a 13 per cent reduction in the number of complaints escalated to environmental health officers or MPs,” says Environment Adviser Sarah Le.
Noise-sensitive stations
“To make sure that we develop innovative noise controls where they are most needed, we have completed a station noise risk assessment for all stations due to be refurbished or modernised by 2010,” she explains. “This helps us to identify the most noise-sensitive stations by allocating a noise sensitivity level for each station, based on its location, proximity to residents, any shared party walls and background noise levels.”
Section 61 consents
We will obtain section 61 noise consents** from the local authority for all stations identified as having medium to high noise sensitivity. This is done by documenting the measures we have planned to manage noise and agreeing them with the local authority before work begins. Stations where noise is less of an issue will document these measures as part of their environment plans.
In 2006, we obtained section 61 noise consents from the local authority for all twelve stations where Tube Lines directly managed all of the sub-contractors, as well as a significant programme of track replacement on the Northern line.
Arsenal station
Arsenal station was quickly identified as our most noise-sensitive station being modernised in 2006, due to its location in the middle of a residential street. We implemented a wide range of noise management measures including moving the site office away from the station, installing noise barriers and rescheduling waste collection to daytime. The local authority was satisfied that, thanks to these measures, we complied with our section 61 consent. Although there were complaints from local residents, we endeavoured to work with them to keep nuisance to a minimum.
* This figure is based on a comparison of figures for periods 1 to 10 in 2005/06 and periods 1 to 10 2006/07, because of a shortened financial year.
** Consent from the local authority agreeing acceptable noise levels and best practice to be implemented.
News in brief |
- Following complaints from a local resident who shares a party wall with a lift shaft at Russell Square station, peak noise levels generated by the lift were reduced by five decibels after the lift braking mechanism was modified. - After a resident living above Goodge Street station complained about loading and unloading outside the station during Northern line track renewal work, we received a warning from the Environmental Health Officer regarding noise nuisance. We reviewed our practices and relocated the loading point away from the station entrance. |
Case Study |
Less noise on the tracksRead in our case studies how track replacement work and a new industrial vacuum machine have reduced noise on the lines. |
