Railway Noise and Vibrations

Noise and vibration from railways are not subject to the same statutory controls as other sources of noise, for example from commercial activities or noisy neighbours.

To a certain extent, railway operators and London Underground are immune from action relating to noise under section 122 of the Railways Act 1993. According to this legislation, the licensed operator may use 'rolling stock on any track' or use 'any land comprised in a network, station or light maintenance depot, for or in connection with, the provision of network services, station services or light maintenance services'.

Complaints

Complaints about noise or vibration from a railway or tube line should be made to the relevant company as follows:

Network Rail:
Tel: 08457 114 141
Website: www.networkrail.co.uk (see external links section below)

London Underground:
Tel: 0845 330 9880 8am-8pm 7 days a week.
Website: www.tfl.gov.uk (see external links section below)

However, if the complaint refers to noise from railway premises, the operator must demonstrate that they have used 'reasonable diligence' to control the noise or vibration if they are to claim the statutory immunity defence. This applies, for example to allegations of nuisance from a platform loudspeaker or from a lift or plant room causing vibration or noise. Complaints about noise from Railway  / London Underground premises should be made to the Council's Enforcement Response Team.

Contact us

Write to us at:

The Enforcement Response Team
Regulatory Services
Units 271-272
Lee Valley Technopark
Ashley Road
Tottenham
N17 9LN

or Telephone:

The Enforcement Response Service

020 8489 1000 Weekdays 8.45am-5pm

020 8348 3148 Evenings 5pm-8.45am and Weekends Friday 5pm to Monday 8.45am

|Back to top

The following links are not part of the Haringey Council website. Please read our legal disclaimer before using these links