The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

86 Mayor of London
The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy
waiting. Conditions for passengers with a hearing impairment or other
disability need to be considered, e.g. in relation to any audible signals. The
location of bus stands is becoming a sensitive environmental issue. More
space and new sites are needed for an expanding network. London Buses
and boroughs need to work together to find facilities which meet the
needs of an effective network, and address local environmental
sensitivities. Consultation on bus issues is covered in Box 20 above,
following paragraph 4A.6. The potential impact of noise is considered in
the design and construction of bus stations and other facilities. Most bus
garages are operated and maintained by the bus operators, and vary widely
in type and design. Issues of screening, enclosure and operation are best
decided in relation to specific local contexts. At relevant termini and
garages, notices are posted to remind drivers that engines should not be
kept idling while stationary, and action is taken by inspectors if it occurs.
policy 15
policy 16
Within the context of ensuring efficient operation of the road network
and in particular of buses, Transport for London will consider practicable
and cost-effective measures to secure quieter road traffic operation,
particularly at night.
Transport for London will require operators and designers of existing and
proposed bus garages, termini and other bus-related facilities to reduce
noise to a cost-effective and practicable minimum, with particular
emphasis on night-time noise.
proposal 12 Transport for London will work to secure practicable and cost-effective
noise control and management on London’s bus network. Potential
elements include:
■ Working with bus operators and suppliers as bus fleets are replaced, to
secure use of quieter vehicles;
■ Assessing the need for and potential of in-service testing;
■ In association with work on reducing bus air pollutant emissions,
reviewing the opportunities which alternative fuels and other
technologies offer for quieter bus running, including trials of zero
emission buses operating on fuel cells, and exploring the potential of
technologies such as hybrid diesel-electric and gas-electric drive;
■ Working with bus companies to secure smoother and quieter driving,
‘no idling’ and other good practices at bus stands, including through
driver training; and
■ As resources and priorities allow, assessing passenger attitudes towards
noise and sound quality on the bus network, alongside other quality of
service issues, having particular regard to the needs of hearing and
sight-impaired people.