New Deputy Mayor for Transport acts upon calls from local Assembly Member to end tube noise
The campaign to tackle excessive tube noise in South Wimbledon saw progress this week. Local London Assembly, Leonie Cooper AM, hosted a visit from the new Deputy Mayor for Transport, Heidi Alexander, with the pair discussing what action can be taken to reduce excessive noise generated by Tube services passing under the South Wimbledon area.
After receiving a large volume of correspondence from constituents on this matter, Ms Cooper wrote to the Deputy Mayor to urge Transport for London (TfL) to inspect the station and tunnels and put in place more mitigation measures.
In response, the Deputy Mayor visited South Wimbledon station alongside Ms Cooper AM. During the visit, the Deputy Mayor heard from councillors and visited local residents who gave first-hand accounts of the disruption they have faced from the Northern Line.
In 2016 and 2017 TfL received 90 complaints a year relating to Tube noise from Merton residents. Outstanding complaints are currently being investigated, including 44 complaints made in 2018.
Following the visit, Ms Cooper AM gained assurances that TFL will assess additional options available to put an end to the disturbance around South Wimbledon station, including in tube trains.
Local Assembly Leonie Cooper AM, said:
“Local people have had their lives disrupted by excessive tube noise. It is very encouraging that the new Deputy Mayor for Transport has come to South Wimbledon station, as a matter of urgency, to meet local people, listen to their grievances and experience the problems for herself.
“In the meantime, I will of course continue to raise any complaints that come through to me with TFL, and I am reassured by the number of cases that are being swiftly and robustly resolved.
“The night tube has brought many benefits to South Wimbledon, but these positives should not come at the expense of the peace of local residents.”
ENDS