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Train HornsComplaints made by residents living near railway lines, MPs and local authorities, over noise disturbance from train horns on modern trains, prompted a thorough review of the rules governing train horn use which was concluded in 2003-2004. Research was carried out into engineering solutions available to address the intrusiveness to railway neighbours of train horn noise. The rules relating to the use of train horns have been changed, resulting in a significant reduction in locations where use of the horn is required, such as stations and tunnels. The standards relating to the audibility have been changed to reduce the maximum noise, which have taken into account both the need for a safety control measure to alert anyone who may be on or near the line recognising that any noise will have an impact on lineside residents. There are continuing complaints from residents and RSSB is working with Network Rail and train operators to identify further work which can be done. The change to the new, lower sound levels across train fleets will take some time. Train operators are also reminding their drivers of the rules changes, to prevent unnecessary use of train horns. Project information can also be found on the Community Relations page. RSSB's Research and Development department has produced the following documents: Audibility of Warning Horns - Final Report. Audibility of Warning Horns - Broadband Horn Evaluation report. |
