Noise and the docklands light railway

Abstract Railway noise has long been regarded as one of the least offensive forms of transportation noise, with relatively few complaints arising from normal operations. However, certain components of the noise from new inner-city light railway systems are generating a substantial hostile community reaction. This note reports on noise measurements along the section of the London Docklands Light Railway (DLR) running from Tower Bridge to the Isle of Dogs. An explanation of the extent and depth of community reaction to the railway is sought in terms of both the character of the noise radiated and its loudness.