Request ID: FOI-2571-2324 Date published: 08 November 2023
You asked
Dear TFL, as a regular user of the Bakerloo line, usually between Paddington and Embankment, the routine levels of noise make me very concerned about hearing loss. The most common type of noise seems like track squealing, a high pitched and persistent noise source which penetrates the ears rather painfully. I would like to know, treating this as an FOI request:
1. What level of noise TFL consider to be a hearing hazard?
2. What measurements has TFL taken, and how often, to assess the noise on the Bakerloo line?
3. What mitigation TFL has taken, and what plans are in place to mitigate the noise problem? Specifically on the Bakerloo but other lines too.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2571-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on14 October 2023 asking for information about noise on the Bakerloo 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. Specifically you asked:
Dear TFL, as a regular user of the Bakerloo line, usually between Paddington and Embankment, the routine levels of noise make me very concerned about hearing loss. The most common type of noise seems like track squealing, a high pitched and persistent noise source which penetrates the ears rather painfully. I would like to know, treating this as an FOI request:
What level of noise TFL consider to be a hearing hazard?
TfL uses the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations on occupational exposure. More information can be found on the HSE’s website using the following link:
What measurements has TFL taken, and how often, to assess the noise on the Bakerloo line?
Please see the requested information in the below table:
Bakerloo line
Queen’s Park to Elephant & Castle - Southbound
Elephant & Castle to Queen’s Park - Northbound
Date of measurement
dB ALeq
Duration
dB ALeq
Duration
November 2022
84
28m20s
84
25m10s
February 2020
82
28m27s
80
29m33s
To put the above into context in relation to noise exposure, 3 return trips could be carried out on the Bakerloo line between Queen’s Park and Elephant & Castle (3 hours) before reaching the HSE daily lower exposure action value (L EP,d 80 dB(A)).
What mitigation TFL has taken, and what plans are in place to mitigate the noise problem? Specifically on the Bakerloo but other lines too.
TfL continues to invest significantly in track renewal and maintenance, including a continuous programme of rail grinding and track modernisation. We have undertaken a significant amount of noise and vibration-related rail grinding in the last six months and will continue to carry out other targeted interventions to reduce noise. In addition to this, TfL also uses lubrication to manage friction between the wheels and rails. If this is not the information you are looking for, 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,
Mary Abidakun FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
