Questions on noise answered by Ministers

Noise proved to be a cross party issue this week, as answers to several questions to government on noise were published.

Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester asked Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans the Government has to implement the recommendations of the 2023 House of Lords report on noise, and what steps the Government is taking to address noise pollution, reduce noise poverty and the harm to physical and mental health. These questions were suggested by Winchester constituent, and Parlaimentary Liaison Group member, Peter Rogers. Answering both questions on May 20th, Emma Hardy, Parliamentary Under-Secretary Defra wrote: 

"This Government is committed to ensuring that noise is managed effectively to promote good health and minimise disruption to people’s quality of life. Defra manages noise through the Environmental Noise (England) Regulations 2006. The Regulations require noise mapping and the adoption of Noise Action Plans based upon this mapping. The Action Plans identify ‘Important Areas’, where the 1% of the population affected by the highest noise levels is located. The latest round of mapping is complete, with Noise Action Plans due to be published later in 2026."

Another question answered on the same day came from Mary Glindon, Labour MP for Newcastle on Tyne and Wallsend. She asked the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to minimise noise pollution caused by parcel delivery drones, and about impacts on wildlife. Keir Mather, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport), responded that 

"Decisions on whether and how parcel delivery drones may operate are a matter for the independent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which regulates UK airspace.

All drone operators are required to comply with aviation regulations, including the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code, which makes clear that drones must be used responsibly and with due regard to people’s privacy. Operators using drones fitted with cameras are also subject to the UK’s data protection and privacy legislation. As part of the approval process, the CAA requires operators to demonstrate that all relevant risks are properly assessed and mitigated, including environmental considerations where appropriate. This can include restrictions on where and how drones operate, particularly in or near sensitive wildlife locations. Planning applications for drone operations, where required, also consider impacts on biodiversity, habitats, protected species and wildlife.

Noise impacts are similarly considered through the regulatory and operational approval process. We have asked the CAA to examine the implications of emerging aviation technologies on aviation noise policy in the UK. Developing a proportionate, evidence-led and adaptive approach will be critical to sustainable development of Future of Flight technologies and maintaining public trust."

Jerome Mayhew (Conservative Broadland and Fakeham), asked the Secretary of State for Transport, what her planned timetable is to conclude the Rail Safety and Standards Board research project entitled Cost Benefit Analysis of Noise Mitigation on the Rail Network; and whether she plans to publish its findings. The response from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) said findings are expected by early 2027.

Houe of Lords report: The neglected pollutants: the effects of artificial light and noise on human health