The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy Mayor of London 45
3.40 Policy on air quality has moved much further and faster than noise policy
over the last ten years. Tough European Union and UK national targets
have been adopted for air quality. Very large reductions in vehicle air
pollutant emissions have been achieved by progressively tighter ‘Euro’
standards. Substantial resources have been devoted to measuring and
modelling local air quality by London boroughs. Reviews and Assessments
of air quality by boroughs have been followed by declarations of Air
Quality Management Areas across London, and action plans are now
being drawn up.
3.41 Policy on ambient noise will not necessarily develop as an exact parallel.
The physics of noise is very different from that of the pollutants covered
by the Air Quality Strategy. Most noise is much more local in its effects.
However, policy and implementation in the areas of air quality and
ambient noise will need to work closely together. The Mayor’s Air Quality
Strategy sets out a programme of action in London. A Low Emission Zone
Feasibility Study has been published. 25 This provides information to help
the Mayor, in conjunction with the Association of London Government,
London boroughs and the Government, determine whether Low Emission
Zones, excluding the most polluting vehicles from certain areas, could
contribute towards meeting air quality targets. A Low Emission Zone
would be likely to have a modest effect on noise, reducing the level of
some noise events.
Biodiversity Strategy
3.42 The Mayor’s Biodiversity Strategy aims to ensure that all Londoners have
ready access to wildlife and natural green spaces; to conserve London’s
plants and animals and their habitats; to ensure that the benefits that
natural green spaces can bring to London’s infrastructure and economy
are fully realised; and to recognise that biodiversity conservation is an
essential element of sustainable development.
3.43 Open spaces, watercourses and other natural features create some of
London’s most distinctive soundscapes. Better noise management could
enable more people to enjoy more diverse aspects of the sound world. In
particular, birds are often identified by sound. There is some evidence that
continuous high noise levels, notably from busy roads, can have adverse
effects on populations of breeding birds. Further evidence of adverse
effects on animals comes from indications that different farm animal
species react differently to constant or sudden loud noise. 26 Noisy
development needs to be considered in relation to the welfare of animals.
Tranquillity within open spaces is important to many people for their
appreciation of the natural and semi-natural world. Ambient noise can
affect people’s enjoyment of wildlife, such as under aircraft flightpaths.