Media Releases

• New draft Code of Practice contains practical measures that businesses can take to minimise noise from out-of-hours deliveries

Transport for London today released the results of a series of trials of out-of-hours deliveries conducted with a number of London boroughs, and a range of businesses including supermarkets, pubs and hotels in advance of the London 2012 Games.

The businesses are based in areas where the Games will have the biggest impact, and during the trials they all followed TfL’s new draft Code of Practice and asked their suppliers to do the same.

The draft code, which is available at www.tfl.gov.uk/2012outofhoursdeliveries and was developed in partnership with the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Noise Abatement Society (NAS), sets out practical tips on how both drivers and those receiving the goods can work together to make deliveries as quietly as possible.

TfL is making the draft code available now, but is asking the freight industry, other interested parties, and the London boroughs that have not already taken part in the trials to share their feedback on it. A final version of the Code of Practice will be published early in the New Year.

Peter Hendy, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “The London 2012 Games will offer a wealth of great business opportunities, but companies based in – or delivering to – affected areas need to start making plans now if they are to benefit.  Busier roads at peak times and restrictions on parts of London’s road network during the Games mean that their deliveries could be delayed or disrupted if they don’t plan ahead.

“Many companies are already coming up with creative solutions, from stocking up on non-perishable goods to consolidating their deliveries with neighbouring businesses.  Our trials have demonstrated that out-of-hours deliveries are also a viable option that businesses may want to consider. We would strongly urge those businesses and freight operators following this approach to adhere to the draft Code of Practice to help ensure that out-of-hours deliveries are carried out with minimum disruption to local residents.”

During 10 weeks worth of out-of-hours deliveries, all the participating businesses reported that revising their delivery times worked well with no complaints from residents about noise. 

The trial at the Marks and Spencer Simply Food store on Earl’s Court Road, conducted in close liaison with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, found that:

• On-site auditing by borough noise team officers was successful in monitoring driver and store staff behaviour, and checking that the draft Code of Practice was being followed;
• Changes made during the first week of the trial, for example fitting protective coverings to the metal chains on roll cages, ensured that noise levels were kept to a minimum;
• Despite the store being deemed a sensitive site, no complaints from residents were received during three weeks of deliveries made at 4.30am.

Dave Hordern, Marks and Spencer Logistics Manager, said: “This has been a very important trial for M&S, as it provided the opportunity to have a ‘dry run’ of what we’ll need to do, both at this store and elsewhere, during the Games period. Most importantly, it proved that the Code of Practice works and it is possible to deliver through the night in sensitive areas as long as we demonstrate best practice and use common sense. We intend to roll out the Code of Practice for night-time deliveries across London.”

Natalie Chapman, FTA’s Head of Policy for London, said: “TfL’s trials reinforce earlier trials undertaken across England by FTA, the NAS and others and prove that if done properly residents’ rights to a good night’s sleep needn’t be taken away.

“Given the immense challenge faced by commercial vehicle operators during the Games period, off-peak deliveries are going to be unavoidable so we would urge operators to adopt this best practice guidance to help them and the companies that rely on them make this Olympic-sized challenge – of keeping up with heightened demand in a severely restricted environment – an Olympic-sized success.”

Lisa Lavia, Managing Director of the Noise Abatement Society, said “TfL’s out-of-hours delivery trials will help continue to establish the viability of quiet deliveries and the conditions under which they are feasible. Protecting the rights of local residents is of paramount importance. Given the significant health and environmental gains to be made, it is critical to establish feasible and sustainable quiet out-of-hours delivery practices. Doing so will also lessen day-time disturbance and enable quieter deliveries to become accepted as the norm. Introducing quiet delivery practices now, under strict guidelines and independent monitoring, ensures that the public will be protected throughout.’’

The London boroughs involved in the first round of trials were the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Southwark, Redbridge and Westminster City Council. A further five trials will be completed early in the New Year.

Manufacturers of quiet technologies and original innovators have been justly recognised at the John Connell Awards packed ceremony last night in the House of Commons.

The awards are designed to recognise and promote innovative ideas and initiatives from Local Authorities, industry, individuals and organisations that have made a positive impact on the reduction of excessive noise in the community, helping to improve the aural environment.

They are named in honour of the Society’s founder, John Connell OBE, who successfully lobbied the Noise Abatement Act through Parliament in 1960 when noise became a statutory nuisance for the first time in the UK.

Gloria Elliott, chief executive of the Noise Abatement Society, said:

“We live in an increasingly noisy society and many of us are unaware of the destructive effect that noise pollution can have on health, learning, productivity and quality of life. Each of the winners of the John Connell award categories have made an outstanding contribution to creating practical solutions to help reduce noise pollution, enabling us all to benefit from a more harmonious environment.”

Enterprise in Quiet Transport Award, sponsored by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) – this award is given in recognition of exemplary transport and delivery schemes working for the public benefit.

Winner: Carrier Transicold

Carrier Transicold is leading the way in Quiet Transport and enabling the potential for out-of-hours deliveries in urban areas. Carrier Transicold has continued to innovate by adding the new Vector 1550 City model to its family of PIEK certified units. This, together with the Vector 1850 City MT overcomes many of the challenges of distribution in urban or sensitive areas. The mono and multi-temperature refrigerated trailers operate at a level of under 60dBs, as required by PIEK, and a full 10 dBs lower than most typical tractor units. Being able to operate more quietly has meant the option of delivering out of hours, which in turn leads to greater efficiency in the supply chain, improved road security, and reduced traffic congestion, pollution and fuel consumption.

Highly Commended: Bosch Rexroth Silence Plus gear pumps

Rexroth developed SILENCE PLUS to reduce noise pollution in hydraulic systems. For decades now external gear pumps have demonstrated their usefulness as rugged and economical workhorses. Their pri­mary features – pressures up to 280 bar, extremely high effi­ciency and low price – have come to be taken for granted. Their noise also became something of a given. This new technology for ex­ternal gear pumps, points toward a future with (almost) silent hy­draulic systems. Pumps powered by electric motors, with virtually no hydraulic noise, are predestined for use not only in manufacturing plants and warehouses but for supermarket use, passenger lifts, log splitters, garbage presses, and it would enable the use of forklifts to load and unload even at night

Innovation Award – this award aims to encourage the development of new solutions to resolve noise pollution problems, using a pioneering approach that addresses this issue from a unique standpoint.

Winner: Organ of Corti

This unique and beautiful experimental instrument recycles noise from the environment. It does not make any sound of its own, but rather uses sounds already present by framing them in a new way – “recycling sounds”. Named after the organ of hearing in the inner ear, it uses the acoustic technology of sonic crystals to accentuate and attenuate frequencies within the broad range of sound frequencies present, like road traffic or falling water. By recycling surplus sounds from our environment, it offers new and pleasurable ways of listening to what is already there.

Technology Award, sponsored by the Institute of Acoustics – this award applauds the vital role that industry can play in reducing noise pollution in our environment.

Winner: Linde Frostcruise Cryogenic in-transit refrigeration system

FROSTCRUISE™ is an efficient, economical, cryogenic in-transit refrigeration system. It provides an eco-friendly solution for the transportation of perishable chilled and frozen food, based on the use of liquid nitrogen (LIN) as the refrigerant. FROSTCRUISE™ is low-noise and operates much more quietly than diesel-operated refrigeration systems and can therefore be used to deliver at night or at early hours.

Highly Commended: Echo Barrier H1 and range of products

Echo Barrier is a temporary acoustic barrier designed for use on major construction projects to reduce problems of excessive noise pollution from work sites. The Echo H1 acoustic barrier literally soaks up sound around it rather than reflecting it, attenuating noise by up to 30dB. Designed for quick and easy installation on standard Heras fencing or similar, the H1 is aimed at sites where it is important to reduce noise levels and maintain good community relations, such as in residential and public locations. The benefits of reducing on-site noise using Echo Barriers are considerable, including reducing the likelihood of noise complaints, creating a more productive working environment, and extending site operating hours and ultimately significant cost savings.

Silent Approach™ Award, sponsored by Brigade Electronics – this award encourages development in the area of reducing noise to the benefit of the community whilst enhancing the environment.

Winner: Professor Jian Kang, University of Sheffield, for Soundscapes in Urban Open Public Spaces

Open public spaces are important elements of urban areas. However, in many such spaces the quality is significantly affected by the unsatisfactory soundscape, which could be ‘too noisy’, or ‘too vibrant’, or ‘too quiet’.  A Soundscape approach, however differs from conventional noise control engineering, and represents a paradigm shift in that, it combines physical, social and psychological approaches and considers environmental sounds as a ‘resource’ rather than a ‘waste’.

In recent years, Professor  Kang has systematically carried out a series of pioneering projects, funded by the University of Sheffiled and institutions across the globe, to research the improvement of soundscapes in urban open public spaces, with a series of outcomes, including: Tools and Design Guidance published by the EU; Computer modelling simulations; and a Soundscape Database of over 10,000 field interviews for predicting users’ perception of and developing evidence and understanding of soundscapes in urban open public spaces. His work has changed the way that soundscapes in the public realm will be perceived, understood and developed inspiring a new generation of architects, policy makers and urban planners.

Highly Commended: BAM Nuttall for Derby Station

The NAS receives numerous complaints about the cacophony of sound often found in railway stations

The transformation of this station, however, its aesthetics and soundscape, has delivered a welcoming gateway to the city. The rejuvenation of the station was the product of the collaborative efforts of Network Rail, BAM Nuttall, White Young Green, TG Baker and Balfour Kilpatrick, who have exemplified best practice soundscape management. A silent approach was considered throughout the process, from white noise reversing alarms, hydraulically powered concrete chainsaws to ambient noise sensing PA systems providing a pleasant overall soundscape for travelers.

Quiet Mark Award of Distinction – Quiet Mark Award of Distinction

Launching in December 2011 is Quiet Mark, the international mark of approval awarded by the Noise Abatement Society for excellence in quiet design. Encouraging manufacturers to think low-noise addresses the consumers desire for stress-free living at home and in the workplace and will help to improve the natural aural environment. The special Quiet Mark Award of Distinction will be given annually to a company who has shown outstanding eco-quiet values. 

Winner: Lexus

The leading car manufacturer LEXUS has been recognised for the prominent ‘Join the Quiet Revolution’ campaign. This high profile consciousness raising initiative resonates with the NAS Quiet Mark’s remit to champion manufacturers of quiet consumer goods. Extolling the benefit of quiet, its value to the consumer and the environment, Lexus continues to drive the eco-quiet market forward to the benefit of our soundscape.

A ‘quiet technology’ provider was rewarded for its innovation at the prestigious 11^th annual John Connell Awards, dubbed the ‘Noise Oscars’, last night by the Noise Abatement Society.

The awards are named in honour of the Society’s founder, John Connell OBE, who successfully lobbied the Noise Abatement Act through Parliament in 1960 when noise became a statutory nuisance for the first time in the UK.

The ceremony took place at the House of Commons and was hosted by Mike Weatherley MP for Hove and Portslade on behalf of the Noise Abatement Society (NAS) Trustees, and are designed to recognise and promote innovative ideas and initiatives that have made a positive impact on the reduction of excessive noise in the community, helping to improve the aural environment.

 Gloria Elliott, chief executive of the Noise Abatement Society, said:

“It was very difficult to judge the winner from the high standard of entries that we received, but the overall winner of the Technology award demonstrated a pioneering and innovative approach that addresses noise pollution from a unique standpoint.”

The Technology Award is sponsored by the Institute of Acoustics and applauds the vital role that industry can play in reducing noise pollution in our environment.

Winner: Linde Frostcruise Cryogenic in-transit refrigeration system

FROSTCRUISE™ is an efficient, economical, cryogenic in-transit refrigeration system. It provides an eco-friendly solution for the transportation of perishable chilled and frozen food, based on the use of liquid nitrogen (LIN) as the refrigerant. FROSTCRUISE™ is low-noise and operates much more quietly than diesel-operated refrigeration systems and can therefore be used to deliver at night or at early hours.

Highly Commended: Echo Barrier

Echo Barrier is a temporary acoustic barrier designed for use on major construction projects to reduce problems of excessive noise pollution from work sites. The Echo H1 acoustic barrier literally soaks up sound around it rather than reflecting it, attenuating noise by up to 30dB. Designed for quick and easy installation on standard Heras fencing or similar, the H1 is aimed at sites where it is important to reduce noise levels and maintain good community relations, such as in residential and public locations. The benefits of reducing on-site noise using Echo Barriers are considerable, including reducing the likelihood of noise complaints, creating a more productive working environment, and extending site operating hours and ultimately significant cost savings.

Gloria Elliott, congratulated the recipients:

“We have been encouraged by the number of technological advancements which consider noise mitigation as part of their functionality. This year’s winner, Linde Frostcruise considers good acoustic design to be also a vital part of environmental sustainability. We have also recognised Echo Barrier for the technology which will protect many residents from work site noise.”

Trevor Cox, President, Institute of Acoustics (IoA), added:

“The Institute of Acoustics is the UK Professional Engineering Institute that deals with noise, and is active in research, education, environmental health and industry. Part of our work is to encourage governments to consider the acoustic-implications of legislation and regulations, to improve how the UK sounds. After all, noise has many deleterious affects such as damaging health, reducing attainment in schools and causing annoyance. With good engineering and design much can be done to reduce noise and its effects. Many Institute of Acoustic members deal with the complex problems of noise ‘on the ground’ working on behalf of both noise generators and sufferers, and so we are delighted to sponsor an award which promotes innovative technology to reduce noise.”

The award was sponsored by The Institute of Acoustics, and had a separate judging panel, comprising of:

• John Hinton OBE, Chair of Judging Panel, past President of The Institute of Acoustics (2008-2010) and a recipient John Connell Lifetime Achievement Award 2009
• Gloria Elliott, Chief Executive, the Noise Abatement Society
• Max Dixon, Town planner and urbanist specialising in noise and soundscape management, formerly of the Greater London Authority and recipient John Connell Lifetime Achievement Award 2009
• Trevor Cox, president of the IoA, and recipient of last year’s John Connell Lifetime Achievement Award
• Alan Blissett, environmental health officer at London’s Southwark Council and recipient of last year’s John Connell Lifetime Achievement Award
• Stephen Crosher, technology expert for renewable and environment sectors

Individuals that have made an outstanding contribution to the noise industry were rewarded at a glittering ‘Noise Oscars’ ceremony last night at the House of Commons. 

The 11^th annual John Connell Awards, announced by the Noise Abatement Society (NAS), are designed to recognise and promote innovative ideas and initiatives from Local Authorities, industry, individuals and organisations that have made a positive impact on the reduction of excessive noise in the community, helping to improve the aural environment.

They are named in honour of the Society’s founder, John Connell OBE, who successfully lobbied the Noise Abatement Act through Parliament in 1960 when noise became a statutory nuisance for the first time in the UK.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards are bestowed on those people who have worked tirelessly in pursuit of a better aural environment. They have dedicated their lives to raising awareness of the destructive effect that noise pollution can have on health, learning, productivity and quality of life.

Gloria Elliott, chief executive of the Noise Abatement Society, said: “There are many organisations and companies that are all working towards our common goal to reduce noise pollution. However, there are also several individuals for whom this cause is intrinsic, and we want to recognise the huge efforts they have made to the industry, and shout about their successes.”

The awards were hosted by Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove and Portslade, on behalf of the NAS Trustees, and the prestigious honours were bestowed on the following individuals:

Trude Adler Award – this award celebrates the unsung heroes who make our world a better – safer, healthier, quieter – place to live and to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude.

Winner: Geraldine Nicholson , the Chair of the local campaign group No Third Runway Action Group (NoTRAG) and the Women of Sipson. Geraldine has been recognised for her tireless and exemplary work with residents and community stakeholders to campaign with John Stewart against BAA’s plans to build the third runway at Heathrow Airport. Geraldine has kept fighting since 2005: to save the school her young boys went to, for the community she grew up in, the pub, the church, the village shop: fighting to stop the forced removal of thousands of people; her friends and neighbours. 

11^th Anniversary Lifetime Achievement Award – in recognition of our founder, John Connell OBE, and the 11th Anniversary of the Awards in his name, the award honours key individuals who have made outstanding contributions to raising the profile of noise pollution as a critical environmental issue and who have worked tirelessly over the course of their careers to effect solutions for the public benefit.

Professor Bridget Shield has been recognised for her continuing work on the effect of noise and poor acoustics on children and teachers in primary schools. Bridget’s research has informed new legislation on the acoustic design of schools and, in 2003, she was appointed by the Department for Education and Skills, as editor of Building Bulletin 93 which contains the statutory acoustic performance specifications for schools, under the Building Regulations.

Bridget Shield, Professor of Acoustics in the Faculty of Engineering, Science and Built Environment at London South Bank University has many years’ experience of teaching, research and consultancy in environmental and architectural acoustics. She is the author of over 70 published papers and her research interests have included prediction of industrial noise, community response to railway noise, concert hall acoustics (with Professor Trevor Cox), and annoyance caused by low frequency noise.

Professor Shield was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Acoustics in 2007, and is currently President-elect of the Institute.

Bernard Berry has been awarded this accolade for his continuing work and expert advice on the effects of noise. He has been a consultant to industry, Governments, local governments, the EU and has collaborated on research projects with a number of organisations.

He is an Adviser to the World Health Organisation [WHO] European Centre for Environment and Health [ECEH] in Bonn, and a member of the WHO Working Group on Aircraft Noise and Health.

He has published over 120 papers in academic journals and conference Proceedings, reports and book chapters, and given more than 100 presentations at conferences.

He is Chairman of the main British Standards Institution [BSI] Technical Committee on Acoustics.

He was President of the Institute of Acoustics from 1996-1998.  And was the Institute’s Vice-President for International Relations from 2001 to 2007. In October 2009 he was presented with the Institute’s Award for Distinguished Service – “for his outstanding contribution to the life of the Institute”.

In April 2010 he was elected a Distinguished International Member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the United States of America. This distinguished, honorary status is conferred upon individuals who have personally made extraordinarily significant contributions to the theory and/or practice of noise control engineering.

Last night, at a prestigious ceremony in London, the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the Noise Abatement Society (NAS) presented the European Soundscape Award for the first time to raise awareness and recognise initiatives that help reduce noise levels.

Noise pollution affects many Europeans, and for some, it is not only a nuisance – it can also trigger serious diseases. Across Europe, at least 100 million people are exposed to damaging levels of noise just from road traffic. Exposure to unwanted noise can cause stress and interfere with sleep, rest and study. Moreover, prolonged exposure can also trigger serious illnesses such as hypertension and heart disease.

The EEA and NAS have teamed up to raise awareness about the impacts of noise and to reward European initiatives in the field of noise control or soundscape management.

Gloria Elliott, Chief Executive of the Noise Abatement Society, said

“The European Soundscape Award recognises important initiatives undertaken anywhere in Europe, to improve the aural environment for the benefit of all. It serves to encourage and disseminate good practices that can assist other European countries embarking on aural improvement programmes, especially in urban environments.”

Colin Nugent, Project Manager for Noise at the European Environment Agency, added

“The EEA and NAS received 16 entries from 12 countries, covering a wide range of noise-related topics. Bringing to the fore products, campaigns, innovations and schemes from across Europe that offer creative solutions to the problem of noise, this award is a beacon for innovation and commitment within the noise mitigation community.”

Winner: The Dutch province of Gelderland and the municipality of Wijchen

The Dutch province of Gelderland and the municipality of Wijchen won the European Soundscape Award 2011 for its sustainable and integrated traffic noise reduction solution in the village Alverna. The winning project has combined a range of innovative measures to reduce noise levels. The measures consist of:

Moving and reducing the number of traffic lanes

• Sinking the road by 0.5m
• Constructing low-level sound barriers of 1m on each side of the road
• Using special ‘quiet’ asphalt 
• Reducing the speed limit from 80 to 50 km/h in Alverna

These measures meant planners were able to achieve the same effect as installing the usual unattractive, 4m-high noise barriers.The project also included a tree planting scheme to create attractive pedestrianised areas. In addition to the noise benefits, the full package of measures also increased road safety, reduced fuel use, helped improve the air quality and the quality of life in the village.

Highly Commended: NSG’s – the Dutch Noise Abatement Society – Electric Heroes Campaign the to encourage the uptake of electric scooters in The Hague and Zaanstad

NSG, the Dutch Noise Abatement Society wanted to tackle one of the top three most complained about noise in Holland – scooters and mopeds. They launched a campaign targeted at 16-24 year old to entice them to switch to electric scooters, with the “Electric Heroes – Go smart, Go electric” initiative. The E-scooter hardly produces any noise and is far cheaper to run than traditional petrol/diesel ones. Young people were encouraged to sign up for the 2 day e-scooter test-drive, produce a movie of the experience, upload it, and be in with a chance of winning an e-scooter if the public voted their video the best. The NSG is continuing to raise awareness of e-scooters and the residual benefits to city dwellers. ‘Electric Heroes – Go smart, go electric’ campaign

Local Authorities demonstrated their innovative side last night at the 11th annual John Connell Awards, dubbed the ‘Noise Oscars’.

The awards, held by the Noise Abatement Society, are named in honour of the Society’s founder, John Connell OBE, who successfully lobbied the Noise Abatement Act through Parliament in 1960 when noise became a statutory nuisance for the first time in the UK.

The awards were hosted at the House of Commons by Mike Weatherly MP for Hove and Portslade on behalf of the Noise Abatement Society (NAS) Trustees, and are designed to recognise and promote innovative ideas and initiatives from Local Authorities that have made a positive impact on the reduction of excessive noise in the community, helping to improve the aural environment.

Gloria Elliott, chief executive of the Noise Abatement Society, said:

“It was very difficult to judge the winner from the very high standard of entries that we received, but the overall winners of the John Connell awards demonstrated the successful creation and implementation of practical solutions. These solutions, together with the resulting partnerships that evolved have significantly helped to reduce noise pollution, enabling us all to benefit from a more harmonious environment.”

Speaking about the award, Paula Bateman, Rockwool’s Corporate Affairs Director said: “We are passionate about supporting the NAS and Local Authorities in their work to alleviate issues of noise. We are delighted to be sponsoring this distinctive award which recognizes the innovative schemes to reduce the impacts of noise on our busy lives.”

John Connell Local Authority Award 2011 sponsored by Rockwool, celebrates initiatives, campaigns and schemes concerning noise that are shining examples of co-operation, raising awareness and creative solutions for improving quality of life in the community.

The award was presented last night by Bob Neill MP, Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the ceremony was attended by representatives from DEFRA, Department for Transport, Olympic Delivery Authority and Transport for London, among others.

The Local Authorities winners were revealed as:

Winner: Westminster City Council, London: Developing a Noise Strategy through public consultation which enables effective mitigation, whilst building enhanced soundscapes

Westminster City Council have been developing and working within a detailed and comprehensive Noise Strategy since 2008. The objectives of the strategy are to manage noise from commercial premises and events, tackle transport noise, ensure sound-aware planning and building design, control noise from construction and utilities work, protect people from health-damaging noise, enhance the soundscape, encourage positive sound and minimize neighbourhood noise.

Westminster has responded to the challenge of understanding the noise environment by building detailed evidence base. This has been achieved through noise attitudinal surveys, noise measurement studies, analysis of noise complaints data, open-space noise study and aircraft study.

The Noise Strategy has been seen to promote the issues of noise and endorse the action required from partners to get results.

Highly Commended: Gloucester City Council – A holistic and sustainable approach to dealing with Neighbourhood Noise complaints

Gloucester City Council has streamlined the noise complaint system with the aim to mitigate the source of the noise more efficiently, and minimize its effects on residents.

The environmental protection team has abandoned the use of Noise Log Sheets and aims to dispatch an officer upon receiving a complaint in order to witness the noise as it is occurring.

Working collaboratively with Gloucester Constabulary, the team has aimed to better signpost its noise service amongst other partner agencies such as Project SOLACE, a joint Police and city council funded Anti-Social Behaviour Team, Gloucester City Homes and Police Safer Communities Teams, so that they can draw on the City Council’s experience and resources, avoiding replication of data and procedures across partnership agencies.

Highly Commended: Worcestershire Regulatory Services – redesigning principles of workflow and direct action to enhance effectiveness

Worcestershire Regulatory services is a new shared service formed in June 2010, bringing Environmental Health & Licensing services from 6 Districts (Bromsgrove, Malvern, Redditch, Worcester, Wychavon and Wyre Forest) together with Trading Standards at Worcester County Council. This amalgamation has led to a major transformation in management systems – assessing workflow, establishing the purpose of the service and challenging current logics to redesign the process.

The Noise Nuisance team, using “System Thinking” has since become a more customer-centric service, defining and agreeing with the complainant the next course of action, taking direct action to deal more efficiently and effectively with noise issues, and doing away with lengthy noise log sheets and largely ineffectual warning letters.

Local Authorities were also recognized for the following award:

European SoundScape Award, sponsored by Environment Agency (EEA) and Brigade Electronics – this new award recognises important initiatives undertaken in Europe to improve the aural environment for the benefit of all. It aims to encourage and disseminate good practices that can assist other European countries embarking on aural improvement programmes, especially in urban environments.

Winner: The Dutch Municipality of Wijchen and the Province of Gelderland

The Graafseweg reconstruction project represented a unique combination of measures to produce an innovative, atttractive and sustainable solution to traffic noise reduction. To appease residents and reduce noise along a busy road, five basic measures were adopted which, together, would prove to be as effective as the previously suggested four meter high sound barriers which would divide the town. By moving and reducing the number of lanes of traffic, partly sinking the road, installing low-level sound barriers, using special ‘quiet’ asphalt and reducing the maximum speed through Alverna, a reduction in noise levels of more than 10 dB could be achieved.

In anticipation of the prestigious 11^th annual John Connell Awards – dubbed the ‘Noise Oscars’ – finalists for the John Connell Technology Award 2011 have been announced.

The Institute of Acoustics John Connell Technology Award, established in 2010, recognises and encourages the development of new or enhanced products demonstrating significant technological advancement, and organisations demonstrating a history of sustained innovation across product lines to resolve noise pollution problems.

Speaking about the award, Trevor Cox, President of the Institute of Acoustics, said “We are delighted to once again be sponsors of the John Connell Technology Award. Industry plays a critical role in reducing noise pollution. Developing new, innovative low noise products and solutions is essential if we are to protect the public and the environment from the cacophony of human activity.”

The finalists have been announced as:

Polypipe, Supertube Duct Silencers with Microban protection – The Domus Silencers provide a simple, cost-effective solution to reduce noise from central ventilation systems. They absorb sound over a range of audible frequencies, including traffic noise, noise from the ventilation fan and room to room cross talk, reducing noise levels by as much as 50dB

Limitear AdaptEar – sets new standards in hearing protection by ensuring that professional earpiece users are always protected from excessive noise. The AdaptEar small unit connects between private mobile radios and sensitive earpieces. It helps users to protect their hearing, providing the appropriate attenuation for specific earpieces and the intended listening duration.

Echo Barrier, H1 and suite of products - The H1 acoustic barrier literally soaks up sound around it rather than reflecting it, attenuating noise by up to 30dB. Designed for quick and easy installation on standard Heras fencing or similar, It is aimed at sites where it is important to reduce noise levels and maintain good community relations, such as in residential and public locations.

Linde BOC, Frostcruise quiet cryogenic system - Is an efficient, economical, indirect cryogenic replacement for mechanical, diesel-powered truck refrigeration systems. It provides an eco-friendly solution for the transportation of perishable chilled and frozen. The innovative technology eliminates the mechanical motor, the compressor and harmful refrigerants used by other systems making it significantly quieter and more environmentally friendly than traditional solutions.

 The awards are named in honour of the Society’s founder, John Connell OBE, who successfully lobbied the Noise Abatement Act through Parliament in 1960 when noise became a statutory nuisance for the first time in the UK.

The ceremony will take place at the Palace of Westminster, on the evening of Tuesday 8^th November 2011 and will be hosted by Mike Weatherley MP for Hove and Portslade on behalf of the Noise Abatement Society (NAS) Trustees, and are designed to recognise and promote innovative ideas and initiatives that have made a positive impact on the reduction of excessive noise in the community, helping to improve the aural environment.

The John Connell Technology Award is sponsored by The Institute of Acoustics, and has a judging panel, comprised of:

·         John Hinton OBE, Chair of Judging Panel, past President of The Institute of Acoustics (2008-2010), on behalf of the IoA

·         Gloria Elliott, Chief Executive, the Noise Abatement Society

·         Max Dixon, Town planner and urbanist specialising in noise and soundscape management, formerly of the Greater London

·         Stephen Crosher, consultant and technology expert, Fleet Renewables

·         Alan Blissett, Environmental Health practitioner, Southwark Council

Gloria Elliott, Chief Executive, the Noise Abatement Society said, “We are thrilled to welcome the Institute of Acoustics as generous sponsors for the second year of the John Connell Technology Award. By working together in this way with industry, trade associations, government, local government and public bodies we can help to further the uptake of quiet alternatives to traditionally noisy solutions thereby protecting the public and reducing noise pollution.”

Local Authority finalists for the 11^th annual John Connell Awards, dubbed the ‘Noise Oscars’, have been announced today by the Noise Abatement Society (NAS), and award sponsors, Rockwool.

The John Connell Local Authority awards are the only one of their kind to recognise and promote innovative ideas and initiatives from Local Authorities that have made a positive impact on the reduction of excessive noise in the community, helping to improve the aural environment.

Speaking about the award, Paula Bateman, Rockwool’s Corporate Affairs Director said: “We are passionate about supporting the NAS and Local Authorities in their work to alleviate issues of noise. We are delighted to be sponsoring this distinctive award which recognizes the innovative schemes to reduce the impacts of noise on our busy lives.”

The awards are named in honour of the Society’s founder, John Connell OBE, who successfully lobbied the Noise Abatement Act through Parliament in 1960 when noise became a statutory nuisance for the first time in the UK.

The finalists are invited to the prestigious ceremony, hosted by Mike Weatherly MP for Hove and Portslade on behalf of the NAS Trustees, which will take place at the Palace of Westminster, on the evening of Tuesday 8^th November 2011.

Gloria Elliott, chief executive of the NAS, said: “John Connell called noise the ‘forgotten pollutant’ as many people are unaware of the destructive effect it can have on health, learning, productivity and quality of life.

“The finalists of the local authority awards have created practical solutions to reduce noise pollution whilst operating within diminished budgets. Working collaboratively across agencies we are seeing Local Authorities dealing effectively and ingeniously for the benefit of their residents and businesses. It has been inspiring to consider their work and solutions.”

John Connell Local Authority Award 2011 sponsored by Rockwool, celebrates initiatives, campaigns and schemes concerning noise that are shining examples of co-operation, raising awareness and creative solutions for improving quality of life in the community.

The award will be presented on 8^th November at the House of Commons by Bob Neill MP, Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The finalists for the 2011 Award have been announced as:

 Elmbridge Borough Council – Empowering local residents and businesses to deal with noise 24/7 – a web solution and campaign

Elmbridge Borough Council’s Noise Team has been developing a comprehensive website that offers advice and support to residents and businesses “Bothered by Noise”. The team has worked collaboratively with social housing providers, mediation services and the Police.

Faced with the loss of their out of hours noise service in April this year the team’s solution was to develop “Deal with noise, your online Toolkit”. The Online Toolkit is full of innovations and seeks to empower residents and businesses to deal with noise 24/7. The development of this interactive website allows audio/visual evidence to be simply uploaded along with a complaint of noise as well as providing a quick guide for what to do out of hours.

 Strong visual branding has been a key feature of the Toolkit and has added to its success with the local community and partner agencies.

 Gloucester City Council – A holistic and sustainable approach to dealing with Neighbourhood Noise complaints

Gloucester City Council has streamlined the noise complaint system with the aim to mitigate the source of the noise more efficiently, and minimize its effects on residents.

The environmental protection team has abandoned the use of Noise Log Sheets and aims to dispatch an officer upon receiving a complaint in order to witness the noise as it is occurring.

Working collaboratively with Gloucester Constabulary, the team has aimed to better signpost its noise service amongst other partner agencies such as Project SOLACE, a joint Police and city council funded Anti-Social Behaviour Team,  Gloucester City Homes and Police Safer Communities Teams, so that they can draw on the City Council’s experience and resources, avoiding replication of data and procedures across partnership agencies.

Maidstone Borough Council – Partnership approach to “Dealing with neighbour noise” – setting up expectations and solutions

The Maidstone Environmental Enforcement Team consulted with Safer Maidstone Partnership on tackling the issue of neighbour noise and providing effective support to a growing problem.

From this collaboration clear, pragmatic guidelines were drawn with the aim to improve solutions and limit the need for external agency involvement. 

The team produced a comprehensive leaflet, “Too Loud is not Allowed – Dealing with Neighbour Noise” clearly explaining the different steps of noise mitigation and what the complainant can expect from contacting the different partnership agencies. Information also provides residents with a simple step by step guide to solving or escalating the problem, and supports community partners with a better understanding of how to deal effectively with noise issues.

Promotion of the service, through publicity of enforcement actions, has lead to an increase in demand for the service, greater sharing of information, and a significant increase in customer satisfaction.

Swale Borough Council – Collaboration with Partnership Agencies and Proactive Public Engagement

A joint noise response service, trialled with the local constabulary force, has initiated closer partnership with the police and better sharing of resources across agencies.

Working proactively with Safer School Partnership, the Environment Response Team continues to extend its reach by raising awareness amongst students on the impact of noise, and how to be a responsible resident. As part of this education initiative, Swale also partners with Kent Fire and Rescue service to target young drivers, focusing on car stereo sound levels, and the impact of excessive noise inside, and emitted from, cars. Swale is also active in the community, creatively communicating the role of positive sounds and enhanced listening.

Westminster City Council, London: Developing a Noise Strategy through public consultation which enables effective mitigation, whilst building enhanced soundscapes

Westminster City Council have been developing and working within a detailed and comprehensive Noise Strategy since 2008. The objectives of the strategy are to manage noise from commercial premises and events, tackle transport noise, ensure sound-aware planning and building design, control noise from construction and utilities work, protect people from health-damaging noise, enhance the soundscape, encourage positive sound and minimize neighbourhood noise.

Westminsterhas responded to the challenge of understanding the noise environment by building detailed evidence base. This has been achieved through noise attitudinal surveys, noise measurement studies, analysis of noise complaints data, open-space noise study and aircraft study.

The Noise Strategy has been seen to promote the issues of noise and endorse the action required from partners to get results.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services – redesigning principles of workflow and direct action to enhance effectiveness

Worcestershire Regulatory services is a new shared service formed in June 2010, bringing Environmental Health & Licensing services from 6 Districts (Bromsgrove, Malvern, Redditch, Worcester, Wychavon and Wyre Forest) together with Trading Standards at Worcester County Council. This amalgamation has led to a major transformation in management systems – assessing workflow, establishing the purpose of the service and challenging current logics to redesign the process.

The Noise Nuisance team, using “System Thinking” has since become a more customer-centric service, defining and agreeing with the complainant the next course of action, taking direct action to deal more efficiently and effectively with noise issues, and doing away with lengthy noise log sheets and largely ineffectual warning letters.

Several Local Authorities have also been considered for the following awards, with winners being announced on the night:

Innovation Award – aims to encourage the development of new solutions to resolve noise pollution problems, using a pioneering approach that addresses this issue from a unique standpoint. The winner of this award is nominated by the Noise Abatement Society and will be announced on the night.

Silent Approach™ Award sponsored by Brigade Electronics – encourages development in the area of reducing noise in logistics and delivery to the benefit of the community whilst enhancing the environment. The winner of this award is nominated by the Noise Abatement Society and will be announced on the night.

Winners of the John Connell Awards will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 8^th November at the Houses of Parliament, which will also be attended by representatives from DEFRA, Department for Transport, Olympic Delivery Authority and Transport for London, among others.

For more information on the Awards or to see the list of finalists, visit www.noiseabatementsociety.com