Dear TfL I have been advised (as per the thread below) to submit my questions about noise on the Underground to you as I have asked for responses under the Freedom of Information provisions. I am most concerned about the harm caused t passengers and TfL staff by high levels of noise on the Underground, Northern Line in particular. I would therefore be grateful for a response to the questions numbered below. Previous email Thank you for your reply to my complaint about noise. I am not satisfied with your response. There is no sense of urgency about mitigating or fixing the noise problem affecting the health and wellbeing of your passengers and staff. Trains running on sections of track, in particular between Euston - Charing Cross and Bank branches, and Archway in both directions generate very high and unsafe levels of noise. The noise is painful, and I have observed passengers covering their ears; children especially. The noise measurements you quote “we recorded levels of 98-103dB between Kentish Town and Tufnell Park” are in the unsafe range. This high noise exposure lasts for a significant time and is bracketed by relatively lower but nonetheless uncomfortable noise. Noise levels have increased, for example between Camden and Kentish Town Northbound recently and the noise is more prolonged. I have not been exposed to high noise levels at work or otherwise. Yet I now experience continuous tinnitus and have a measurable hearing loss. I suspect this was caused by the recent increase in noise on the Underground. Consequently I now avoid using the Underground, and if I do I protect my ears. Track noise is exacerbated by very loud repetitive automated announcements. As a matter of Freedom of Information I would appreciate a response to the questions numbered below: 1. Are the increased noise levels associated with rail replacement? 2. Was there any testing or modelling of noise when the new rail systems were commissioned? Retrospective fitting of softer rail fastenings suggests that rail renewal was not thought through. This level of noise was not an issue when running on the old bull head and wooden sleeper rail system. 3. Since the noise levels are in the danger range what action are you taking now to protect passenger and driver health and safety? For example speed reductions, advice to passengers, recommendations regarding ear protection. 4. Have you consulted the Trade Unions regarding noise harm to staff? On a separate matter I have noticed accumulations of dust and fluff at many underground stations. I am concerned about risks to health and that accumulations of fluff near electrical apparatus could result in smouldering fire.

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TfL Ref: FOI-2883-1819

Thank you for your email received by Transport for London (TfL) on 10 December 2018.

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

1. Are the increased noise levels associated with rail replacement?

    

    

   No, the increased in-tunnel noise levels are associated with the installation of resilient track fastenings – which reduce the level of groundborne vibration suffered by residents living near the Tube.

    

    

2. Was there any testing or modelling of noise when the new rail systems were commissioned?

    

    

   There was testing of the resilient track fastenings to ensure they met industry standards and could withstand the forces which they would be subjected to.

    

    

    

3. Since the noise levels are in the danger range what action are you taking now to protect passenger and driver health and safety?

    

    

   We are installing modified pads under the resilient track fastenings which should reduce the noise. Whilst high, the noise levels experienced do not exceed levels which are considered dangerous.

    

    

4. Have you consulted the Trade Unions regarding noise harm to staff?

    

    

   Yes, we hold regular Trade Union meetings and the issue of noise in the tunnels and the cumulative noise on the lines is discussed.

    

    

   If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some 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

    

    

   Eva Hextall

    

   FOI Case Officer

    

    

   FOI Case Management Team

    

   General Counsel

    

   Transport for London

    

    

   Dear TfL

    

    

   I have been advised (as per the thread below) to submit my questions about noise on the Underground to you as I have asked for responses under the Freedom of Information provisions.

    

    

   I am most concerned about the harm caused t passengers and TfL staff by high levels of noise on the Underground, Northern Line in particular. I would therefore be grateful for a response to the questions numbered below.

    

    

   Previous email

    

    

   Thank you for your reply to my complaint about noise.

    

    

   I am not satisfied with your response. There is no sense of urgency about mitigating or fixing the noise problem affecting the health and wellbeing of your passengers and staff. Trains running on sections of track, in particular between Euston - Charing Cross and Bank branches, and Archway in both directions generate very high and unsafe levels of noise.

    

    

   The noise is painful, and I have observed passengers covering their ears; children especially. The noise measurements you quote “we recorded levels of 98-103dB between Kentish Town and Tufnell Park” are in the unsafe range. This high noise exposure lasts for a significant time and is bracketed by relatively lower but nonetheless uncomfortable noise. Noise levels have increased, for example between Camden and Kentish Town Northbound recently and the noise is more prolonged.

    

    

   I have not been exposed to high noise levels at work or otherwise. Yet I now experience continuous tinnitus and have a measurable hearing loss. I suspect this was caused by the recent increase in noise on the Underground. Consequently I now avoid using the Underground, and if I do I protect my ears.

    

    

   Track noise is exacerbated by very loud repetitive automated announcements.

    

    

   As a matter of Freedom of Information I would appreciate a response to the questions numbered below:

    

    

5. Are the increased noise levels associated with rail replacement?

    

    

6. Was there any testing or modelling of noise when the new rail systems were commissioned?

    

    

   Retrospective fitting of softer rail fastenings suggests that rail renewal was not thought through. This level of noise was not an issue when running on the old bull head and wooden sleeper rail system.

    

    

7. Since the noise levels are in the danger range what action are you taking now to protect passenger and driver health and safety?

    

    

   For example speed reductions, advice to passengers, recommendations regarding ear protection.

    

    

8. Have you consulted the Trade Unions regarding noise harm to staff?

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