The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

xiv Mayor of London
The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy
overturned the key part of its earlier ruling. Consultation is expected
during 2004/05 on a new night noise regime.
29 The Government has introduced a new system of rotation of night
movements at Heathrow. This should offer some relief to London
residents, compared with the previous ‘westerly preference’, under which
early morning landings came in over the city unless wind and weather
dictated otherwise. The impact of these changes should be monitored.
The Mayor’s view is that, as long as night landings continue, planes
should not come in over London, unless wind and weather make this
unavoidable. This would reduce noise for as many people as possible. It is
also important that the ‘shoulder periods’ between the day and night are
properly defined. The current noise index has been criticised for giving
insufficient weight to the growth in aircraft numbers. The Mayor has
accepted the need for it to be reassessed. Aircraft noise needs to be
assessed in ways which have public confidence, and people need more
easily understood information. Studies should not, however, delay action
where the need for it is clear.
30 Helicopter noise can be particularly intrusive and annoying, but the Mayor
does not have any control over movements. Single engined helicopters are
required to follow certain routes in the London Control Zone, which
includes a section of the Thames through central London. However, as
long as helicopters obey the Rules of the Air, and follow the instructions of
air traffic controllers, their movements are not generally further restricted.
Much helicopter activity over London is associated with security, and
emergency response, both police and medical. In emergency, helicopters
may fly lower than rules would otherwise require. If any proposals for
heliports were made, for example, in relation to London’s world city role,
the specific noise impacts would need to be fully and carefully assessed.
Issues on London’s rivers and canals
31 Moving freight by water can save many road journeys. The impact of
noise on London’s ‘Blue Ribbon Network’ needs to be minimised, through
good planning, design and operations. Widely varying character includes
contrasting soundscapes. Noise management criteria need to differ for
different water spaces. Principles include making more use of rivers and
canals, while ensuring that they are a healthy and a calm series of places.
Local planning authorities should also ensure that any new sensitive uses
near operating wharves and boatyards are so designed as to protect users
adequately from such noise as is inseparable from a working waterway.
32 London River Services, part of Transport for London, operates some, but
not all, of London’s piers. It licenses a range of scheduled and chartered