The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy Mayor of London 31
3 vision and linkages
Improving London’s soundscapes will make it a more sustainable city, one
that is a more attractive place in which to live, work and invest. The goal
is a London where ‘big city buzz’ does not mean that people are deprived
of rest, or denied freedom from unwanted distraction, and where havens
of tranquillity may be found.
Context - the Mayor’s wider vision is to develop London as an exemplary
sustainable world city, based on the three interwoven themes of strong
diverse long term economic growth, social inclusivity to give all Londoners
the opportunity to share in London’s future success, and fundamental
improvements in environment and use of resources.
3.1 Fulfilling this vision requires concerted action which addresses the wide
range of economic, social and environmental needs and priorities of
Londoners. Economic efficiency must be improved and its benefits shared
so as to increase social cohesion and environmental quality, and raise the
overall quality of life.
A vision for the Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy
3.2 The overall vision for the Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy is to minimise
the adverse impacts of noise on people living and working in, and
visiting London using the best available practices and technology
within a sustainable development framework.
Objectives of the Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy
3.3 The objectives of the Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy set out how the
Strategy aims to work towards achieving the Mayor’s vision. They are
expressed qualitatively, and should be seen as interim, pending
development of a new national and European framework for noise
management. Objectives are not absolute and need to be weighed one
against another, and in relation to those in the Mayor’s other Strategies,
including economic development and social inclusion objectives; for
example, achieving long term infrastructure improvements can entail short
term disruption. The objectives are:
1 To minimise the adverse impacts of road traffic noise;
2 To encourage preferential use of vehicles which are quieter in
their operating conditions;
3 To minimise the adverse impacts of noise from freight
and servicing;