The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

90 Mayor of London
The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy
has also been introduced, using quieter modern technology. Varying the
warning siren sounds (wail, yelp and two tone) improves response. Also, a
closely following appliance needs to be distinguished by other road users
from the first. Trials with directional sirens in other brigade areas have not
so far shown clear benefits, but options will be kept under review. Those
responsible for fire safety management in buildings must ensure that fire
alarm systems are properly installed, tested and maintained, and are
recommended to use a fire alarm company certificated by the Loss
Prevention Certification Board. The brigade has a key objective to reduce
the number of non-domestic false alarm calls and hoax calls. It also seeks
to address the noise exposure of brigade personnel, and to design-out
possible conflicts between noise insulation and fire and emergency
requirements in the advice given on buildings generally.
Box 33: Metropolitan Police Authority, Metropolitan Police Service
Frontline liveried response vehicles are replaced after 30 months, using
latest available technology. Liquid petroleum gas and electric vehicles
have been trialled for use where operational requirements permit. Police
warning sirens need to use a readily recognisable range of sounds, at
volumes which can be readily heard by drivers within well-insulated
vehicles which may have closed windows and in-car amplified sound.
Noise from specialist vehicles and equipment, such as boats and
generators is taken into account in terms of overall fitness for purpose.
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The Mayor will urge the GLA group (‘functional bodies’) and other
emergency services to, wherever practicable and cost-effective in relation
to operational needs, use vehicles and equipment which demonstrate
good practice in quiet and considerate design and operation.
Motorcycles, mopeds and scooters
4A.67 The Mayor’s Transport Strategy recognises that motorcycles, mopeds and
scooters may offer advantages over cars by using less fuel, and taking up
less space. However, there are road safety and environmental concerns
surrounding motorcycles. They are often perceived as noisier, and their
sounds tend to be distinctive even when not necessarily very loud. When
the correct silencing equipment is not fitted, or is removed or tampered
with, or when machines are poorly maintained, or ridden at excessive
speeds, motorcycles can create annoyance out of proportion to their
numbers. One noisy machine can influence perceptions of the rest.
Motorcycles may produce less tyre noise, and need to stop and start less
often in congested conditions than other vehicles. However, they can be
more noticeable if they are accelerating or travelling faster, while other
vehicles are queued. If motorcycles were quieter, but still driven at higher
speeds, other road users could be caught unprepared. A London