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Wednesday 4 Apr 2007

THOUSANDS OF RAIL NEIGHBOURS SET TO SLEEP IN PEACE

Region & Route:

National

From 7 April, thousands of communities living alongside the railway will get a better night's sleep, thank to changes in the use of train horns at night. From Saturday 7 April, a night time quiet period will be introduced.
This means that between 2300 and 0700 trains will no longer routinely sound their horns at whistle boards positioned around many of the 2,600 footpath crossings around the country. And daytimes should be quieter too; where the technology is available, drivers will now only use a low tone at whistle boards when trains are fitted with two-tone horns. The changes come about after a rail industry-wide steering group listened to MPs, local communities and interest groups. The group concluded that a night time ban was the most effective way of making life easier for trackside neighbours, while ensuring safety at footpath level crossings with whistle boards. Speaking on behalf of the group of MPs who raised the issue with Network Rail and the rail industry, Derek Wyatt MP said: "I am delighted we've been able to raise this matter with Network Rail and others. The rail industry is implementing a sensible arrangement that will hopefully make all the difference in improving the quality of life for people living near the railways. This change should give people a greater chance to get a full night's sleep – something many of us take for granted." Network Rail's Chief Executive, John Armitt, commented: "I am delighted that the rail industry has finally been able to address the impact of train horns on the health and well-being of our neighbours. Living next to the railway will always bring some noise. Train horns have been used for over a hundred years to provide warning of trains approaching, and the ability and freedom to use the horn is important. "However, it is true to say that noise levels from the horns on newer models are sometimes louder than they used to be – something particularly noticeable during the night, when crossings are lightly used and approaching trains can usually be seen and heard without a horn." The need to address the problem arose following changes in the rules for train horns in 2004/5, which included a lower minimum volume. In addition, horn equipment on new trains is positioned underneath the train which can cause more sound to be distributed sideways, causing increased disturbance to railway neighbours. The impact on safety at footpath crossings has been studied by the industry group to ensure that it is not compromised. Network Rail is undertaking an additional prioritised assessment to consider whether there are any reasonably practicable measures that may be justified at particular crossings.