Closed
Terrible noise disturbance!
Reported via desktop in the Structures (eg bridges, fencing, noise barriers) (NH) category anonymously at 12:18, Tue 30 May 2023
Sent to National Highways less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 4610354.
This section of the M20 is a designated "Noise Important Area". It is beyond belief that a major motorway which in this stretch passes directly next to hundreds of residential properties, has absolutely no noise control measures. It passes within 20 metres of properties on Harvey Road, Field End, Willow Tree Close, Hewitts Place, Housefield, Woodlands Road, Cradlebridge Drive, Birch Close. Along with disrupting the lives of residents on the next row of streets which are more elevated and so get the noise also travelling on the wind (Sprotlands Avenue, Earls Avenue etc). There is a thin and bare stretch of mostly deciduous trees which offer little to no sound reduction. We are asking for this area, which is as previously mentioned already designated as an NIA (4510), to be reviewed in light of the recent greatly increased traffic volume to the local area as a result of the expansion of the McArthur Glen designer outlet, M20 junction 10a, Sevington Inland Border facility. This is also not withstanding the fact that regular roadworks take place in this section as it forms part of both 'Operation Brock' and 'Operation Stack'. Brock in particular is activated and deactivated multiple times per year as a result of disruption at the port of Dover, so loud heavy machinery is often placing / removing the huge concrete blocks for miles and miles to convert the London bound (and therefore closest to the residential areas) carriageway to a two way motorway. It genuinely feels unfair and depressing to be stuck in an otherwise decent area but be so overcome with road noise that it can be hard to think and sleep. We are regularly seeing readings over 65dB at all times of the day. With the wind in a northerly direction this can easily pass over 70dB which is incredibly loud and hampers all outdoor conversation, or sleeping with any windows open. As residents of the local area it feels like anything but the highest spec acoustic barrier fencing would be a disregard of the wellbeing of hundreds of households. Thanks for reading such a long message!
Updates
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Thank you for your report concerning noise from the M20.
We have passed your report on to the relevant department who will investigate your concerns. In the future could you please report issues such as this to our Customer Contact Centre as this reporting tool is designed for defects such as a broken sign or barrier, litter, overgrown vegetation or potholes.
Our Customer Contact Centre, available 24 hours a day at:
• 0300 123 5000
• info@nationalhighways.co.uk
Kind regards
National Highways
State changed to: Closed
Posted by at 10:10, Wed 31 May 2023
This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.