In November 2020, the London Assembly unanimously agreed a motion[1] supporting the adoption of tighter public health standards on both tube noise and excessive vibrations.
Today the London Assembly agreed a further motion requesting the Mayor, the new Deputy Mayor for Transport and the TfL Commissioner redouble their efforts.
Tony Devenish AM, who proposed the motion said:
“The Mayor so often tells us the importance of taking public transport, but steps need to be taken to create a reliable and safe network for the public to use. Two years ago, I proposed a motion, unanimously passed by this Assembly, for tighter public health standards and very little improvements have been made.
“For too long the public’s safety has been ignored as passengers and residents are forced to suffer through excessive tube noise and unacceptable vibrations. You only need to have ridden the Jubilee Line to City Hall to experience this unnecessary risk and annoyance.
“The status-quo is no longer acceptable, and the Mayor must not stay silent on this issue.
We welcome that the TfL Commissioner this morning agreed to meet with residents and Assembly Members. The Mayor must make Londoners aware of the worst offending parts of the network and what he is going to do to address this prevalent problem.”
Sem Moema AM, who seconded the motion said:
“Tube noise can have a hugely damaging impact on the lives of residents who experience high levels of noise and vibration from passing trains. Some have been living with these issues for years. That’s why I’m urging Transport for London to make tackling tube noise a priority in their future plans.
“Despite financial challenges imposed by the Government, it is vitally important TfL work to minimise noise levels for staff, customers and residents by monitoring noise and vibration levels and smoothing corrugated rails, the principal cause of track noise.
“Mitigating the impact of noise on residents and passengers could have a transformative effect to the lives of many Londoners. To do this TfL needs a fair, long-term, funding deal from the Government.”
The full text of the motion is:
In November 2020, the Assembly unanimously agreed a motion stating that:
“This Assembly strongly supports the adoption of tighter public health standards on both Tube noise and excessive vibrations and urges Transport for London to make Tube noise reduction a priority.”
Further to this motion, this Assembly calls for the Mayor, the new Deputy Mayor for Transport and the TfL Commissioner to redouble efforts to mitigate tube noise for both passengers and residents and be more transparent to Londoners on the number of “hot spots” and “rectification activities”.
Notes to editors
- Read the motion from November 2020
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Tony Devenish AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Alison Bell on 07887 832 918. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.