Don Bowen on “damaging levels of noise” for Newham residents

Cars travelling along a dual carriageway — Sunil060902, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons

I write to bring attention to a truly important and ongoing issue for people living along the A13 in Newham who are affected by extraordinary anti-social behaviour, often coupled with the criminality of speeding.

Over the years, Newham has allowed many developments along the A13, meaning that thousands of residents are now affected by damaging levels of noise from both high-revving motorcycles and backfiring cars. The ‘canyon’ effects of the high rise developments only exacerbate noise levels.

Yet while these developments have been welcomed, there is little or no requirement for noise-polluting vehicles to reduce their impact on increasing numbers of residents.

In the mornings, motorcycles weaving their way through London-bound traffic will occasionally rev insanely to let slow-moving cars know they are there. It’s the same in the evenings.

To describe some of these moments as heart-stopping is hardly an exaggeration.

Sometimes, motorcycles roar up and down the A13 at speeds well in excess of the ever-prosecuted 50mph average speed notices. And at weekends in particular, cars modified to backfire are a regular night-time disturbance.

As a resident in one of the flats along the A13, I have written to both the police, the Council and even my (now-ex) MP to draw attention to this antisocial and health-harming behaviour, but nothing is ever done to help. It is mentally, physically, environmentally, socially and illegally a massive blight on the lives of so many residents.

Two suggestions to help alleviate this issue:
One, install a few speed cameras near the foot of the A13 flyover and further along by Newham Leisure Centre.
Two, I believe there are roadside noise-capturing cameras being trialled. These capture evidence to deter antisocial drivers. If ever there was a place which could use them, it is along the A13 around Canning Town.

This is not an attack on the majority of motorcyclists or motorists who cause little disturbance. But The A13 has become a site of considerable antisocial behaviour affecting the well-being of residents. Please can something be done?

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