The vibrations caused by double-decker buses driving down three North London streets late at night have been described by residents as “like the start of an earthquake” as they report damage to their homes as a result.
The vibrations, which are said to be amplified by bus drivers hurtling over the speed bumps, are waking children up every night and causing significant damage to properties, residents of the roads in Brent have claimed.
Residents of the three roads in Kensal Rise have been campaigning to get the authorities to take action over a decision by Transport for London (TfL) and bus operator, Metroline, to route changes that have meant out-of-service buses are using the small streets as a “shortcut” back to the depot in Willesden Junction from 5am to 1am. Concerns have also been raised about drivers allegedly exceeding the speed limit and the use of much heavier electric buses on the unreinforced roads.
Conor Woodman, highlighted the “negative impact” that changes to the number 28 and 187 bus routes have had on residents of Liddell Gardens, Doyle Gardens and College Road at a recent meeting of Brent Council’s Cabinet (May 19). The Liddell Gardens resident claimed they have had a profound effect on both their quality of life and the condition of their properties.
Conor Woodman. Conor Woodman told Brent Council\’s Cabinet that residents will “continue to fight this injustice”. Image Credit: Brent Council. Permission to use with all LDRS partners
Addressing the Cabinet, Mr Woodman said: “Imagine if your own children were being woken every night, imagine the effect that would have on their, and indeed your, mental health. […] Imagine a vulnerable person in your own life and how distressed they would be if their property was being systematically damaged by something they feel powerless to stop.”
Mr Woodman said the residents of these roads have “collectively sent hundreds of emails” to Brent Council, TfL and Metroline, but claimed no action has been taken. They have also paid to have two surveys commissioned – seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) – to collect evidence and demonstrate the effect it is having on them.
One was conducted by an independent acoustics specialist to assess the impact in terms of disruption to residents and physical damage to their properties. Evidence was collected in the form of video footage that was taken during two 24-hour periods in April. It found that, during one period, vibrations caused by passing buses “exceeded British standard” 40 times, at a level where disruption “would likely cause complaint”.
Mr Woodman said: “Even more concerning is that five times in the same period passing buses on Liddell Gardens exceeded a level at which they could be expected to cause structural damage in an unreinforced building – which means every house in these streets.”
A second survey was carried out to quantify the impact on local residents, which received 100 responses from residents of the three roads. The survey revealed that 64 per cent of respondents reported that their children were being woken every night by the buses and 96 per cent of households with vulnerable residents had experienced property damage or disruption to their lives.
Mr Woodman said the figures are a “cause for great concern” whilst emphasising that they are “not just figures, they are real people’s lives we are talking about”.
Kathy Slevin, a widow in her late 70s who has lived on Liddell Gardens for more than 40 years, said the buses are keeping her awake every night and described them passing by as being “like the start of an earthquake”.
Mother of a newborn baby, Hannah Layton, 33, submitted photos of cracks that have appeared in her recently decorated kitchen. Further photographic evidence filed by more than 50 residents showed damage to woodwork, plaster, and paintwork. Mr Woodman, who has been urging the council, TfL and Metroline to take action for years, said “enough is enough”.
He added: “It’s not for us to offer a solution but we see obvious issues that could be addressed.”
Mr Woodman called for a halt to all bus activity on Liddell and Doyle Gardens until the damage that has already been done can be addressed and a permanent solution is found.
He suggested this should involve the removal of the existing speed bumps, which he claims are amplifying the vibrations, as well as implementing alternative speed reduction measures – such as chicanes or speed cameras – and limiting bus operations between the early morning and late night hours. He added: “Empty buses coming down at 1am or 5am is intolerable.”
In response to claims residents weren’t asked before the changes were made, TfL have said that consultations are only required when changes are made to “in-service routes” and as the buses are travelling back to the garage it was not necessary to engage with residents about the changes.
TfL’s Head of Bus Performance, Philip Gerhardt, told the LDRS: “We remain committed to ensuring the safety of customers and residents. Our bus drivers have been reminded of speed restrictions and to remain considerate of residents in the area.
“More than 60 per cent of our bus fleet, including all buses on route 187, are fitted with intelligent speed assist which limits the bus’s speed to the road’s speed limit.”
He added: “Alongside the operator Metroline, we continue to work closely with residents and Brent Council to address their concerns. We always welcome feedback on our services, and we continue to explore long-term alternatives.”
Regarding the introduction of the new 13.5 tonnes electric buses, which are around double the weight of the old ones, Mr Woodman stressed that whilst residents are not against efforts to promote greener travel he suggested the current infrastructure is unable to adequately cater for them. Liddell and Doyle Gardens are not reinforced with a concrete sub-layer, as main roads are, so he urged the authorities to “reinforce the roads or re-route the buses”.
He said: “As heavier electric buses are introduced the infrastructure needs to keep up. […] The roads are not suitable for these buses and the situation is unsustainable. […] We’re not going away, we will continue to fight this injustice.”
Skirting Damage. The bus vibrations have caused extensive property damage to homes on the three roads. Image Credit: Kathy Slevin. Permission to use with all LDRS partners
A spokesperson for Metroline told the LDRS they “have been engaging closely with the residents of Liddell Gardens and Doyle Gardens since concerns were first raised”, as well as attending meetings alongside representatives of TfL and Brent Councillors. They said driver performance systems and on-site speed checks are in place, as well as stating that “all Metroline vehicles comply with the latest Euro VI emission standards”.
They added: “Liddell Gardens was chosen as the most suitable light running route as it is a long-established route for service buses, however we are working closely with TfL to explore alternatives. We continue to reassure residents that drivers are regularly reminded to use appropriate speed on these roads and to be considerate of the residents in the area. Residents who continue to have concerns are advised to approach Brent as the relevant highway authority.”
Brent Council Leader, Cllr Muhamemd Butt, said he “totally understands” and that the problem “is going to be taken seriously”. He added: “[I] appreciate the issue about the noise and the impact on young children, especially if it is causing that much of a nuisance in order to wake up young kids during their hours of needful sleep.”
Cllr Butt proposed a site visit with residents, alongside councillors and council officers, as well as speaking to TfL and Metroline to look at introducing time restrictions and reinforcing the roads. Mr Woodman said these measures are “nowhere near enough” and “not even close to what we are asking for”.
Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement, Cllr Krupa Sheth, said: “We fully understand residents’ frustrations with the issues and the ongoing problems this is causing. We are committed to working with TfL and Metroline to try and find a workable solution.”
She described previous responses by Metroline as “disappointing” as there had been no changes to bus routes or times and drivers had continued not abiding by the speed limit. She added: “We are going to try and make sure that relevant enforcement action is taken when this is flouted and there is a commitment by the council to overview the current resurfacing on Liddell Gardens to see what we can do to improve that.”
Since the LDRS got involved and since those comments were obtained, TfL have written to residents to inform them that from June 28, the number 28 bus will no longer be light running along Liddell and Doyle Gardens.
Never miss another news story, subscribe to Harrow Online for FREE!