The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy Mayor of London 57
4A road traffic noise
4A.1 The Mayor’s Transport Strategy states that: ‘London’s streets should be
managed to assist the movement of people, goods and services - safely,
expeditiously, reliably, securely and with minimum negative
environmental impact; to ensure reasonable access to property, and to
recognise their use as social spaces’ (Policy 4G.1). Key priorities for the
development of London’s streets include reducing the level and impact
of traffic in Central London, in the town centres of inner and outer
London, and in residential areas. The Transport Strategy seeks to improve
the attractiveness and amenity of London’s streets, particularly in town
centres and residential areas.
4A.2 Road traffic noise is the most widespread source of noise and related
annoyance in London (see Chapter 2). Higher speed, higher volume roads
generate the highest noise levels, which spread farthest. For example,
noise from the M25 affects many parts of London’s Green Belt. Lower
speeds in much of urban and suburban London mean noise from gear
changing, stopping and starting on congested streets. Congestion may
hold down speeds during the day-time, especially in central and inner
London. However, vehicles often move faster at night. Traffic has tended
to grow at those times which used to be less busy. Limited evidence
suggests a smaller difference in noise between day and night in London
than nationally.
4A.3 Different dimensions of road traffic noise need to be considered,
including:
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the continuous drone of free-flowing heavy traffic, and the average or
background traffic noise to which people are exposed, often over
longer time periods; 1
congested stop-start traffic, where vehicle accelerations may be more
important, and individual noise events, such as from a heavy vehicle
bumping over an uneven surface. 2
4A.4 Conventional noise mapping, such as proposed in the consultation on the
national strategy 3 is aimed at modelling the first type of traffic noise.
However, other more variable types of noise can cause much annoyance,
although these types of noise map may not show them. Noise policy
needs to address all the types of noise which can affect people, across all
streets and spaces, as well as the bigger roads. Actions related to different
types of noise can be very different, although many policies can affect
more than one kind of noise. Action plans and programmes need to
distinguish, as far as possible, which types of noise are being targeted,
and how effectiveness is to be assessed.