The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy Mayor of London 111
management, without prohibitive penalties, as unforeseen noise or
vibration problems emerge, as changing technologies become available, or
where emerging problems can be addressed through modest operating
changes. As with the Underground, improved understanding of the costs
and benefits is needed for priority setting. It is important to maintain fair
treatment of rail in relation to other transport modes, and fair treatment
for London in relation to other areas. Clear allocation of responsibilities is
particularly important on a multi-user railway system.
policy 28
policy 29
policy 30
The Mayor will expect the Strategic Rail Authority and the rail industry
to develop cost-effective plans to minimise noise and vibration through
improvements in the design, operation, monitoring and maintenance of
transport infrastructure, while seeking improved National Rail services in
pursuit of London’s transport, regeneration and sustainable
development needs.
The Mayor will expect the Government, Strategic Rail Authority and the
rail industry to ensure that network licences incorporate actively enforced
arrangements for management and monitoring which enable noise to be
minimised through best engineering practice, particularly related to track
condition, in pursuit of the Secretary of State’s Directions and Guidance
to the SRA in respect of sustainable development and effects on the
environment. Elements include:
■ Making available information from asset registers or databases, and
maintaining good asset condition monitoring systems.
■ Ensuring that franchises, contracts, and other arrangements on
National Rail make provision, without disproportionate penalties, for
flexible operational, engineering and other responses to noise and
vibration issues as these are identified.
The Mayor will expect the Strategic Rail Authority and the rail industry to
assess, on a scheme-by-scheme basis, the implications of service
improvements which could have significant impacts on noise and vibration,
and incorporate cost-effective measures to mitigate such impacts.
Construction and maintenance works
4B.30 Noise from construction and maintenance works is excluded from the
definition of ‘ambient noise’ in the GLA Act 1999. London boroughs
remain responsible under the Control of Pollution Act (CoPA), 1974, for
agreeing appropriate measures to protect noise-sensitive occupants in the
vicinity of relevant construction works. Night maintenance as well as
construction work can be particularly necessary on railways because of
pressure on capacity during the day. Bringing London’s rail facilities up to
necessary standards, and expanding capacity, will, however, have