Londoners on three major Tube lines are experiencing “dangerous levels” of noise while on the Underground network, data suggests.<\/p>\n
Passengers on the Victoria, Northern and Jubilee lines face a “tunnel screech” at levels of more than 100 decibels (dB) – louder than a nearby chainsaw or power tool. <\/p>\n
Exposure to such sound intensity can cause hearing damage, as well as disturbing residents above ground.<\/p>\n
According to the data, revealed by Transport for London (TfL) and the mayor of London’s office, the network received 707 noise complaints over the past three years.<\/p>\n
The majority of the complaints, more than 600, related to noise experienced inside Tube carriages and about 70 were about noise at stations.<\/p>\n
Sound exposure is measured in carriages by calculating the average noise level over a specific period of time on each line.<\/p>\n
Commuters on the Northern line faced up to 104dB in the worst periods, with travellers on the Victoria and Jubilee lines experiencing 102dB.<\/p>\n
Those on the Hammersmith and City line fared best, with a maximum average noise level of 81dB, comparable to a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner. <\/p>\n
Elly Baker, Labour’s transport spokesperson on the London Assembly, said passengers “should not have to put up with excessive noise”.<\/p>\n
She said TfL’s own data showed noise “was reaching dangerous levels” in parts of the network, which raised “serious questions about the conditions passengers are travelling in”.<\/p>\n
There are currently no statutory limits for passenger exposure to noise while travelling.<\/p>\n
Causes include track curvature, the speed of the train, the spacing and condition of the sleepers, and the overall track form.<\/p>\n
In July, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan said the main cause of track noise was “rail corrugation” and that he had set aside \u00a39m for “rail grinding” work to help mitigate this.<\/p>\n
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