Motorway Noise - about time

6.57.21pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th Jun 2006

Malcolm Cowan has proved that the road was built in 1967 and therefore fulfils the criteria for action on noise reduction.

As a result of pressure from LibDem county councillor Malcolm Cowan, who represents Handside and Peartree, there is good news on reducing noise from the A1(M) motorway, which so adversely affects the quality of life in and around WGC.

Firstly, there will be noise measurements taken soon at the worst affected areas, Lemsford Lane, WGC, Lemsford itself, and Stanborough Lakes. 'This is the first time that proper noise measurements have been taken by the Highways Agency, who are responsible for the road' said Malcolm. 'It is surprising that WGC has featured so low on their list for action when there have not been proper measurements taken of what local people have to put up with. However, I have had a site meeting with their project manager and we are awaiting the measurements being taken soon.'

Secondly, Malcolm has proved that the road was built in 1967, not in 1973 as the Highways Agency believed. This means that there should be no need to prove how loud the noise is before action is taken to reduce it; this is because there is a cutoff of 1969: a road that was built before that date fulfils the criteria for action on noise reduction.

Malcolm says 'I am very grateful to a Handside resident who ploughed through back copies of the local newspaper to unearth the opening date. The noise measurements will now help us to show how much we need action to reduce the noise - not just a quieter surface, but hopefully noise screens as well - similar to what has been done near Luton on the M1'

For further information, contact Malcolm Cowan on 01707-324723.