Key information
Petition presented by: Andrew Dismore
Date petition submitted: Thursday 6 July 2017
Petition presented at: London Assembly Plenary
Summary of petition
“We the undersigned call on Transport for London to provide compensation to the residents affected by levels of tube noise which fail to comply with national and international standards of noise.”
Response information
Response date: Friday 25 August 2017
Thank you for the petition presented to the London Assembly (Plenary) meeting on 6 July by Andrew Dismore AM about Tube Noise. Noise is an important issue and I welcome the role that members of the Assembly have played in raising this issue and challenging Transport for London (TfL) to ensure it is doing all it can.
I recognise the impact that noise from our Tube services can have on London residents and I am determined we take appropriate action to minimise this impact. I remain committed to ensuring that the Tube, especially the Night Tube, works for local communities as well as customers. This includes making every reasonable effort to ensure that noise from our services is reduced to the lowest level possible.
TfL is committed to tacking Tube noise and vibration problems at source on the infrastructure within its control. I remain assured that there is a robust procedure in place so that TfL responds quickly and sympathetically to all reports of noise disturbance. TfL priorities mitigation work based on noise levels recorded within people's homes, its information about track conditions and in response to the number of complaints made about a given location.
TfL has met with several Assembly Members along with residents in areas including Pimlico, Notting Hill, Baker Street, Islington, East Finchley and Woodford. Further meetings are planned with residents near Wanstead. TfL continue to engage with individual residents and community groups to listen to the issues they face and explain what it can do to help. I acknowledge that issues still remain, which is why I have also extended an offer for my Deputy Mayor for Transport to meet with Andrew Dismore and residents further to discuss what more can be done.
In the meantime, I am pleased to say that the installation of over 10,000 shock absorbent track fixings has had a positive impact in several noise hot-spots. TfL has seen a significant reduction in hundreds of homes across London. These same fixings are currently being installed between Euston and King's Cross and in the Gloucester Road area, with further plans to install them at sites between Oxford Circus and Warren Street and between Bond Street and Green Park.
Tfl are also seeking other solutions, for example examining the effectiveness of new technology and whether it is possible to reduce the speed of trains on any of the Night Tube lines. I will ensure that you are kept informed on any progress made with these solutions.
I acknowledge that the aim of the petition is for residents to be compensated. TfL had a strong commitment to dealing with noise at source which I believe is the most effective long-term solution. Therefore, I support TfL's approach and preventing noise disturbance from happening is the best use of its resources.
Please be assured that the aim of the petition is for residents to be compensated. TfL has a strong commitment to dealing with noise at source which I believe is the most effective long-term solution. Therefore, I support TfL's approach and preventing noise disturbance from happening is the best use of its resources.
Please be assured that TfL will continue to do all it can to be a good neighbour. It is utilising the resources it has available to reduce the impact of noise and vibration while continuing to deliver the world-class level of service needed to enable the growth of the city.
Thank you again for writing to me and for sharing this petition.