Noisy buses (East Dulwich Grove)

[Jurassic]

Re. Noisy Buses on Dulwich Grove.

Found this forum following a search on noisy buses. It may be of interest to those concerned that bus noise ( specifically concerning the cooling fan ) is a national problem. We live on what was a quiet residential road in Nottinghamshire.We now have upto 7 buses an hour passing within a few feet of our house, most of which are empty. The worst noise levels ( 95+ decibels) are from Optare Tempo vehicles. The EU directive states that the noise level of a normal single decker vehicle should not exceed 85 decibels. However, as stated elsewhere in the forum when the bus is tested the cooling fan is not taken into consideration. So, consequently many people have to suffer a noise comparable to a jet liner on take off. As we have discovered during the last few years, one must not critiscise buses as they are deemed to be "green". If it was a motor cycle or Heavy Goods Vehicle responsible for this noise level those reponsible would be prosecuted and the vehicle impounded. But in our experience bus companies appear to be a law unto themselves.

Good Luck to the residents of East Dulwich Grove ( PS We have been suffering for 5 years )

[James Barber]

Hi jurassic,

Bus services are purchased by Transport for London and they specify what is acceptable to them or not. So we'll be pressing for TfL to use some common sense initially on night buses.

I suspect you have the same set-up with either Nottingham City Council or the County Council procuring bus services.

Good luck.

[Jurassic]

Hi James

Thanks for your response. Initially the bus company involved was a private company and we understand with no subsidy. The route past our house is only used as there is nowhere else for the buses to turn round. Following 4-5 years of complaints we now have another bus company ( possibly subsidised by Notts C.C.) using our road. We and many other residents have communicated with Notts C.C. ,Rushcliffe B.C. and the Local Town Council. We have communicated with our local MP. Mr Kenneth Clarke ( what a waste of time and paper that was). The bus company have recently communicated direct with us, to show us their concern. A complete turnaround compared to previous arrogant and rude communication from them. Research has highlighted that bus noise is a national problem, caused by the loophole is noise regulations allowing bus manufacturers to effectively disconnect the cooling fan during testing.N.B. Am error in my last entry. The noise level should not exceed 80 decibels ( I incorrectly stated 95)

I wish you well but from our experience I suggest you do not expect common sense from the bus industry.

Regards

Jurassic