Request for Information on Hearing Issue Complaints Related to the London Underground From Jan 2019 to Jan 2024
Request ID: FOI-4554-2324 Date published: 09 April 2024
You asked
Dear Transport for London,
I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Specifically, I am seeking information regarding complaints about hearing issues caused by noise on the London Underground over the past five years. Hearing issues can include tinnitus, hearing impairment and hearing loss.
Could you please provide me with the following details:
1) The number of complaints TfL has received each year within the last five years (January 2019 to January 2024) concerning hearing issues attributed to noise from TfL-operated underground services or infrastructures.
2) Additionally, if possible, could you please categorise these complaints based on the respective underground lines they pertain to?
Yours sincerely,
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-4554-2324 Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on8 March 2024 asking for information about hearing issues caused by noise on the London Underground over the past five years.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy.
We do not hold the information you require as we are unable to report on complaints received about hearing issues caused by noise on the London Underground network.
TfL’s noise experts have reviewed the noise level that our customers are exposed to, particularly in the context of potential damage to their hearing. Having reviewed the noise levels across the Underground network, we are confident that our customers are not exposed to levels that will damage their hearing. We recognise that the noise levels in some sections of the Underground network are high at certain locations and we have a programme in place to reduce the noise created between the train wheels and the train tracks. This grinding programme is for all lines.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely,
Mary Abidakun FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
