The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

36 Mayor of London
The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy
age, hearing tends to become less acute for high-pitched sounds.
Sensitivity to low frequency noise may increase.
London’s Children and Young People
3.16 In 2001, almost one in four Londoners was under the age of 18 10 and 36
per cent of those under twenty were from black and minority ethnic
groups. Over 300 different languages are spoken in London schools, with
about 40 languages spoken by communities of 1,000 people or more. The
child poverty rate in inner London is 48 per cent, compared with 26 per
cent in outer London and 30 per cent nationally (after housing costs). 11
Many of London’s children are likely to live in overcrowded and poorly
insulated housing which does not help with study, rest, or play which
does not disturb others. Many lack attractive or safe outdoor
environments where they can play without being the subject of
complaints, including about noise. 12
3.17 Very high levels, such as in noisy workplaces, may affect foetal
development. Noise may interfere with speech communication, including
in terms of language acquisition and communication. Very high levels of
noise may affect the speed or quality of communication between teachers
and children. Many schools have poor internal acoustics, so that activities
interfere with each other. Studies have been taking place in schools
around Heathrow Airport, and elsewhere in London 13, 14, 15 (see also
paragraphs 2.9 and 4F.14-17).
3.18 Use of headphones at high volumes by young people, and extended
exposure to very loud noise in pubs, clubs and other entertainment
venues may cause permanent hearing damage. 16
Women in London
3.19 The lower disposable incomes of many women mean they are likely to
have less effective choice in where they live, and thus be more likely to
live in poorer, noisier areas. Caring responsibilities and part-time work may
mean that women are at home for longer, or during noisier parts of the
day, than many men. Noise in the neighbourhood may add to women’s
concerns about their safety. The British Crime Survey indicates that
women tend to be more worried about going out alone, particularly at
night. Older women are much more likely to be living alone. Studies have
indicated that women may be more sensitive to noise than men. 17
London’s Black and Ethnic Minority Groups
3.20 According to the National Census 2001, nearly 29% of Londoners were
from Black and Minority Ethnic groups (not including minority white
groups such as Irish, Turkish or Greek). There is much variation within and