The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy Mayor of London 77
Box 27: Town centres
Many town centres suffer from high levels of traffic noise. The Mayor’s
Transport Strategy sees reducing through traffic as a priority, along with
improving conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. The
London Plan sees areas of high public transport, walking and cycling
accessibility as appropriate places for higher densities, including
housing, especially for smaller households. Minimising town centre noise
can assist realisation of the potential benefits of compact and accessible
mixed development.
4A.39 People’s activity patterns are becoming more dispersed over the day,
evening, night and week, although by no means all parts of London are
affected equally. Internet- and tele-shopping offer the potential for more
home deliveries, by motorcycles, as well as vans. More attention will need
to be given in neighbourhoods to evening and night noise. Reductions in
traffic noise may need to be accompanied by measures to protect
residents and workers from other noises which may then become more
audible, such as inappropriate busking. The Mayor’s Transport Strategy
(Policy 4G.3) seeks to improve personal security, reduce crime and the
fear of crime on London’s streets, working with the London boroughs and
the police, pursuing objectives of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The
benefits of further neighbourhood wardens and similar schemes will need
to be considered.
4A.40 Creating more attractive footways, pedestrian areas and walking routes
will help to make London a connected, safe, convenient and attractive
walking-friendly city. Less noise can contribute to building convivial and
supportive neighbourhoods. A busy street can feel safer than a deserted
one, but too much noise can mask the sound of other people
approaching. People with a hearing or sight impairment may benefit
particularly from quieter streets. Walking routes can have their own
unique soundscapes which should be protected or enhanced. Distinctive
soundscape features, such as bells, trees, water, ground surfaces which
reveal footfall, and reverberant structures or enclosures, should be
identified. Positive features should be enhanced, and negative features
mitigated, having regard to user needs and preferences. ‘Hearingconscious
design’ should consider the heights of walking and sitting areas
relative to noise sources, including any ‘noise shadow’ below traffic level.
More information is needed on outdoor personal noise exposure, and
people’s needs and preferences, as they move through the city.
4A.41 The Mayor’s Transport Strategy aims to make conditions for cyclists safer,
more convenient and more pleasant. Using cycles rather than cars will
contribute to reducing traffic noise. Cyclists themselves would benefit