TfL Ref: 0988-1920

Thank you for your request received by us on 4 July 2019 asking for information about the noise levels on London Underground’s Northern Line.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked for:

Noise Levels on the Northern Line

When travelling south from Camden Town on the Bank Branch towards Euston, the noise levels in the train, and screeching of the wheels, are at a level to prevent conversation and cause pain in the ears. The noise levels from Kentish Town southbound to Camden Town have also increased recently.

Could you please confirm what the peak noise levels are on this journeys, whether this falls within the accepted stands, and if there are plans to reduce these levels for the safety and comfort of staff and passengers.

We are aware of the levels of noise on the Northern line, particularly in these areas. The noise exposures, while high for the network are within the Health, Safety and Environmental regulations, which set the following thresholds:

(1) The lower exposure action values are— a peak sound pressure of 135 dB (C-weighted*).
(2) The upper exposure action values are— a peak sound pressure of 137 dB (C-weighted*).

I can advise that the Peak noise level recorded in May 2019 from Kentish Town to Camden Town southbound was 115 LCpeak decibels (dB).

Engineering options to reduce noise levels inside London Underground’s tunnels are limited. TfL undertakes assessments on specific track sections where noise levels are reported as a concern, and wherever possible completes appropriate noise-reducing works. There are sections of track on the Northern line with corrugation (high rail roughness), and therefore the wheel-rail interface rolling contact may cause higher levels of noise. We maintain a rail grinding programme to address areas of highly corrugated track, but this can only achieve temporary improvements. One particular effect of corrugation on the rail is that the energy created causes noise that can be heard in residential properties. To address this we have used a track dampening system which has significantly lowered the noise levels recorded in local homes but created uncomfortable noise being experienced by our passengers as a result. We do, however, continue to investigate ways that we can mitigate the noise experienced by passengers and staff.

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Yours sincerely

Jasmine Howard
FOI Case Officer
Information Governance
Transport For London