TfL Ref: FOI-1829-2425
Thank you for your request which we received on 3 September 2024, asking for information about noise levels on the DLR.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require.
Please specify the decibel level and how it relates to impacts on both physical health and mental health.
If there is no such specific measurement for the DLR, please provide details of what measurement is used by TFL to determine acceptable and unacceptable noise levels in relation to residents’ physical health and mental health.
Our main priority is the safety of our staff and customers and the public announcement (PA) system is used for general and safety critical announcements in a potentially crowded and noisy environment. Crossharbour Station, which I believe you may be referring to, has many challenges to overcome to ensure messages are clear and audible from wherever staff and passengers are on the platform. The PA system has to compensate for various noises, such as DLR trains, traffic from the main road, noise reverberation (e.g. echo noises that bounce of objects such as trains or buildings) and varying UK weather conditions. The PA sound levels cannot be any lower else risk public address announcements not being heard.
With regard to the acceptable level of environmental noise in residential areas, please find attached the screen shot from DLR engineering standard ES101: Noise and Vibration policy.
We carry out yearly noise checks on specific sections of the DLR, with any individual track-based noise complaints also being investigated when they arise.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
