The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy Mayor of London 1
1 introduction
1.1 Noise - unwanted sound - has been referred to as the ‘Cinderella
pollutant’. However, recognition of its importance is growing. To many,
noise is an inescapable fact of city life, which they push to the back of
their minds. To others, noise becomes distressing. Either way, it is a
quality of life issue. As more people want to live, work and do more
things in London, it becomes even more important that noise is properly
managed. However, no-one should pretend that it will be easy to reduce
noise across the country’s biggest and busiest city.
1.2 This should not be seen as a ‘killjoy’ strategy. Sound plays many positive
roles in the lives of people, and of the city. Sound environments may
contain features of special interest, which contribute to London’s richness
and diversity. Big cities have buzz - but this needs to be balanced by
identifying and taking opportunities to secure improvements in ways
which respect the many different needs of Londoners.
Box 1: Strategy approach
The Greater London Authority Act 1999 gave the Mayor a duty to prepare
a ‘London Ambient Noise Strategy’ (see box 2 for definitions).
European noise policy has been seeking to raise the profile of what is
often termed ‘environmental noise’ - mostly the long term, outdoor,
on-going sources like transport and industry. The Mayor’s Strategy
complements existing borough work on neighbour noise, construction
sites and other local nuisances. This Strategy’s required focus on
‘environmental noise’ does not mean that nuisance noise is considered
less important - many staff in boroughs across London are already
working on those issues. The Mayor aims to work in partnership with
boroughs, the Environment Agency and others in developing fresh
approaches to integrated noise management.
The Greater London Authority Act gave the Mayor no new powers or
funds specifically for noise management. This Strategy thus focuses on
identifying practical actions and specific areas where it is believed that
useful progress can be made. Earlier drafts were the subject of
consultation with the London Assembly, boroughs, other stakeholders and
the public. Many valuable inputs were received and reflected in reviewing
the Strategy. A separate report on public consultation is available. 1
The European Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC, published 18
July 2002) will require noise mapping and preparation of action plans. By
contrast with air quality, European or UK ‘limits’ or ‘targets’ have not yet
been agreed. These would need to be based on detailed understanding of
the distribution of noise exposure, effects on people, and the costs of
reducing it - and then linked to powers and resources. Less information is