Pollution control - noise - transport
Summary
Many people in the UK are affected by noise from aircraft, road traffic or railways. The Council has no powers
to deal with this type of noise however guidance on such issues is listed below.
Further information
Aircraft noise
The Civil Aviation Authority has exclusive powers to deal with complaints in respect of aircraft (including helicopter) movements.
National and international regulations set maximum noise limits for all civil aircraft that fly in the United Kingdom. The limits vary according to the size and type of aircraft. Measures introduced to reduce a noise include:
- Noise Preferential Routes;
- restricted night flying
Actions to ease the effects of noise are a complex mixture of operational controls, maximum noise limits, noise monitoring and planning conditions as well as direct measures imposed by the Secretary of State (only at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead airports).
General complaints of noise, low flying and safety can be referred to the Civil Aviation Authority.
Military aircraft are exempt from many civil aircraft controls but complaints of excessive noise or low flying can be made via the Ministry of Defence.
Road traffic noise
Many people consider traffic noise in their homes or gardens a nuisance. Above 50 km/hr most noise from cars comes from the tyres. The level of tyre noise produced is dependent on the properties of the road surface.
Road vehicles have to comply with noise emission standards. The Police can take action if individual vehicles have defective silencers or are being driven in a way that creates too much noise. There aren't any specific limits on noise from roads, but noise levels may be taken into account when planning to build houses or offices near to roads. Noise barriers or noise insulation (for example acoustic double glazing, alternative means of ventilation) may be used to reduce the impact.
If noise from new roads exceeds certain limits at existing houses the householders may be eligible for noise insulation grants through the local highway authority. The Highways Agency has a target to install quieter road surfaces over 60% of the trunk road network by 31 March 2011. The trunk road network includes motorways and the more important A roads.
Railway noise
People living close to railways may suffer high noise levels, but there are virtually no legal controls unless the noise is due to a new railway affecting existing properties. Such householders may be eligible for a noise insulation grant. If particular trains are causing you a problem, you should direct your complaints to the company operating the train in question. For information regarding specific train operators contact National Rail.
External websites
- Environmental Protection (external link)
- Civil Aviation Authority (external link)
- Ministry of Defence (external link)
- The Highways Agency (external link)
- National Rail (external link)
Contact us
| Officer / Team | Environmental Protection Team |
|---|---|
| Postal address | Blaby District Council Council Offices Desford Road Narborough Leicester LE19 2EP |
| E-mail address | env.health@blaby.gov.uk |
| Telephone | 0116 272 7555 |
| Fax | 0116 272 7594 |
If you need this information in other languages or formats (large print, Braille or audio), please let us know when you contact us.
This page was last updated on 24th September 2009
How do you rate this information / service?