Request ID: FOI-2161-2122 Date published: 12 January 2022
You asked
Under the FOI act. I would like to know the maximum decibel level between Chalk Farm and Euston. Appears to be unacceptably high.
We answered
TfL Ref: 2161- 2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 21 December 2021 asking for information about noise on the tube between Chalk Farm and Euston stations. 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: Under the FOI act, I would like to know the maximum decibel level between Chalk Farm and Euston.
We are aware there are tunnel sections between Chalk Farm and Euston which appear to be louder than other sections and may cause discomfort for some passengers. Whilst the noise levels are not identified to be harmful and in line with the Health and Safety Executive’s defined limits, we are taking steps to mitigate noise across the network. This includes carrying out targeted rail grinding in areas of high rail roughness, which can reduce noise levels.
The relevant page referring to the limits and the exposure limits we are regulated against is available at the following link to ‘The Control of Noise and Work Regulation 2005’ (Regulation 4): https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1643/regulation/4/made
The below data was measured on 20th November 2021 in the train operator’s cab. Noise in the passenger saloon may vary +/- 3dB depending on the number of passengers. Emptier trains will sound louder as there are less people and objects to absorb noise.
Chalk Farm to Euston – Bank branch
A Weighted average (ALeq) 79.9dB A Weighted Max (Amax) 104.5dB C Peak instantaneous noise 115.7dB
Camden to Euston – Charing Cross branch
A Weighted average (ALeq) 76.5dB A Weighted Max (Amax) 100.6dB C Peak instantaneous noise 112.6dB
The dB A Leq is the A-weighted noise is used for calculating exposure over 8 hours as it mimics human hearing. The dB A max is the maximum noise during the above average period mainly used for impulsive noise in properties. The dB C peak is the instantaneous noise level such as a balloon bursting or a door slam, not weighted for human hearing so has a higher level.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
