Reducing noise & vibration

The Mayor's Transport Strategy and London Environment Strategy have objectives for reducing transport-related noise.

We explain how we plan to do that in our Corporate Environment Plan on the Sustainability page.

Tube and rail track

Our maintenance programme, including track improvements and continual rail grinding to remove defects on the rail surface, helps to reduce noise and vibration. We spend approximately £150m each year on track improvements - this includes a dedicated annual budget of £1m to develop rail noise technology.

Noise coming from our tracks can be from normal wear and tear, track faults or misaligned joints. We regularly inspect our track to ensure it is safe and reliable.

Many external factors can affect the way that ground-borne noise and vibration spreads - for example, where new developments have had a basement excavated or a change in ground conditions because of seasonal differences. The vibration caused when metal train wheels roll over metal tracks is carried through the tunnel and the ground around it to nearby buildings.

To reduce the effects of noise and vibration we:

• Grind rails to remove corrugation - ridges or grooves on the rail surface can increase noise
• Replace worn rails
• Fix or remove broken or unnecessary rail joints used to connect two pieces of rail
• Use track lubrication systems to reduce wheel squeal noise
• Use resilient track fixings during new track replacements

We're also:

• Introducing modern new trains
• Limiting station announcements and using modern PA systems that minimise the volume by taking account of the background noise level
• Working with suppliers to innovate and develop new technology to reduce noise and vibration levels across the network
• Committed to minimising disturbance and will treat each complaint individually

Some Elizabeth line and most London Overground services run on tracks managed by Network Rail.

Noise reduction trials

We're running trials to try and reduce noise levels - these could be rolled out more widely across the network in future, where appropriate and where they will not negatively impact service levels. They include:

• Speed variations - altering or reducing speeds on automatic operation lines (where this will not impact service levels). This could help to minimise rail corrugation by avoiding trains consistently braking and accelerating at the same point
• Trialling a softer under rail pad to help absorb energy from the passage of trains
• On the Jubilee line we'll roll out an on-train lubrication system by 2024 - we're also trying to minimise noise levels by putting lubricators in noise sites where screeching is caused by wheels rubbing against rails

We also want to tackle in-carriage Tube noise by removing certain track fastenings linked to increased noise levels, and either replacing with alternative track fastenings, or installing new rail.

Road noise

We operate and maintain a network of major roads - the red routes - in London. (Other roads are the responsibility of the Highways Agency, and the London boroughs.)

We try to reduce noise by:

• Implementing measures to smooth traffic flows and reduce accelerating and braking by buses
• Introducing quieter buses
• Using quieter road surfaces, for example porous road surfaces that absorb more noise
• Restricting the movement of heavy goods vehicles at night and at weekends
• Encouraging different delivery patterns to reduce noise
• Training our staff to be aware of noise - stickers on vehicle doors help remind them
• Encouraging a switch to low or zero emission vehicles such as electric cars
• Encouraging people to cycle and walk - we're working with the boroughs to improve, and build new, facilities

Some sources of noise such as banging manhole covers are not our responsibility - report them instead to the appropriate utility provider.

Depots, garages and other sites

We take care when designing facilities used in our network to ensure that noise is controlled. This includes rail depots, bus garages, sub-stations, ventilation systems, lifts and escalators and public address systems.

• There are restrictions on train whistle testing in some depots
• Vehicle horns must not be sounded at the entrance gates at London Underground depots
• The timing of rubbish collections at office locations is strictly controlled
• Some stations have a restriction on PA announcements after a certain time
• Fire alarm testing is scheduled for the middle of the day at some Tube stations to avoid disturbing residents

If a local authority thinks noise generated by our operations represent a statutory nuisance, it can serve a notice that requires us to reduce the noise.

Construction sites

We may need to do construction and maintenance work at night when there is less traffic and trains aren't running. This helps to keep our workers safe.

When we, or our contractors, need to work at night or on weekends, we typically agree with the local authority on the hours and best practices for controlling noise and vibration. The local authority can take action against us if we don't comply.

We try to minimise noise by:

• Using best practice that may include quiet equipment or methods of work, switching the plant off when it's not in use or using noise barriers
• Training staff to avoiding shouting and slamming vehicle doors, and adopting quiet ways of working where they can
• Advising residents before any potentially noisy night works

Utility companies are responsible for co-ordinating and controlling noise or vibration from any of their works on our roads.

Report noise

Help us identify the areas most affected by noise or vibration issues:

Phone: 0343 222 1234 (call charges may apply)
Online: Select a 'Noise and vibration' enquiry on the Tube and rail contact us form

What happens next

If you report noise at your property, a customer service agent will be in contact to get more details. These will then be passed on to our engineering and maintenance team for investigation.

We'll update you where possible with any progress or outcomes of the investigation.

Managing noise in the future

When new roads or railways are proposed, noise and vibration will be considered as part of the planning process. Controls on noise and vibration will be incorporated into the design.

New sections of road or above ground railway must also be assessed to see if residents living close by qualify for noise insulation under the Noise Insulation Regulations 1975, or the Noise Insulation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations 1996.