CAMPAIGN UPDATE
November 2008
Campaign Steering Group
Following the public meeting arranged by Droitwich Spa Civic Society we sent out a questionnaire to those who attended or signed the petition. Seven people volunteered to join us.We met to talk about the information we had gathered thus far and decide how to proceed.
Additional Noise Reading
Wychavon District Council is unable to carry out a noise survey of M5 traffic noise as they did not have the correct equipment. A noise reading has been taken at Mayflower Road some distance from the motorway for the Highways Agency. The results where sent to the Civic Society.
Unbelievably there is no standard level beyond which motorway noise is regarded to be unacceptably loud. As the noise from the M5, when previously measured, was not 3 decibels higher than that predicted when it was designed, the Highways Agency is not obliged to act.
Consultations on legislation to implement the European Noise Directive (2002/49/EC) are being undertaken. National guidance on intervention levels to be applied within the UK for the purpose of prioritising actions under future noise action plans, as required by the Directive, is expected.
Road Surface vs Barriers
The debate about whether a ‘quiet road surface or barriers would be better at reducing the noise has continued. Despite the remarks made (in a personal capacity) by the Amey Mouchel representatives at the public meeting, the Highways Agency has continued to say that the only answer is a quieter road surface. They are still equally adamant that this will not now be laid until 2010/2011 at the earliest.
What Now?
The steering group are of the opinion that we cannot let this matter drift. We need to carry on a campaign for the quieter road surface so that we stand a chance of getting it in 2010, and we also need to promote the use of noise barriers (fences or bunds) wherever possible. We are aiming to get some of these installed before then, as we believe that a 3-4 year wait is not acceptable. We will need to find funding for these – they will not be funded by the Highways Agency. Initially we will be looking to the practicalities of erecting a fence in one of the worst affected areas such as Mayflower Road. We are aware that this could increase the noise level on the other side of the road, and that a fence will most likely need to be erected on both sides of the motorway at the same time.
We have had meetings with Peter Luff MP. He has been keeping us updated with his correspondence with the Highways Agency, some of which has been reported in the local newspapers.
We will continue to put pressure on the authorities to act.
If you have any comments or questions about the Campaign please contact us.
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