Draft Response to the Mayor of London
(APPENDIX TO KEY DECISION REPORT - ‘THE COUNCIL’S RESPONSE TO THE MAYOR OF LONDON’S DRAFT AMBIENT NOISE STRATEGY’) [Final text to be transferred onto Councillor Moylan’s letterhead] Ken Livingstone Esq Mayor of London (Ambient Noise Strategy Consultation) Greater London Authority FREEPOST 15799 LONDON SE1 2BR [First date after implementation period to be inserted] Dear Mr Livingstone The Royal Borough’s response to the draft London Ambient Noise Strategy Background noise caused by road traffic, trains, or low flying aircraft is part of daily life in central London, but in some parts of the Royal Borough, where noise levels are unduly high, it is a source of considerable annoyance to residents. In fact there are few parts of the Borough that do not suffer a certain amount of disturbance from busy roads, although in an overall sense this reflects vibrant activity, the ‘buzz’ that you yourself refer to. This Council welcomes a comprehensive approach to controlling background noise, whether from transport sources, or industrial and commercial operations. An action- orientated noise strategy for London, which prepares the way for the National Ambient Noise Strategy expected in 2007, should put London in a stronger position to influence the controls, such as noise limit values, eventually imposed by Government. We are very much in favour of proactive measures to reduce ambient noise levels that can be achieved without disproportionate costs, and that target the worst affected areas. The Royal Borough together with the London Boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham and Wandsworth, successfully negotiated a substantial noise mitigation scheme to offset the railway noise impact on line-side residents of Channel Tunnel trains using the West London Line.
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