TfL’s report and update:
I am pleased to advise that I have now received TfL’s comprehensive report, including graphs and underground photographs, which has identified the faults causing noise and vibration to many buildings near the Jubilee line and has also acknowledged the repairs required.
TfL measured the deterioration of the rails and found worsening track corrugation. In summary, the key findings are as follows:
TfL confirms that southbound Jubilee line services are the loudest, averaging 43–44 dB LAmax inside a basement bedroom, compared with lower northbound levels. (It should be noted that, according to the World Health Organization, noise levels above 30 dB can be detrimental to one’s health.)
The noise is described as a “loud and deep rumble”, caused by “significant levels of long-wavelength corrugation on both rails” (Report N&V-R3508).
Corrugation measurements taken on 27 November 2025 show increased short- and long-wavelength corrugation, particularly on the southbound line near the property.
TfL explicitly states that the southbound track has deteriorated over the last year and that noise levels may have increased as a result (Report N&V-R3501).
TfL confirms that track improvements, such as rail grinding, could reduce noise levels, thereby acknowledging both the cause of the problem and the solution.
However, the report gives no indication as to when the necessary repairs will take place, citing limited resources — which I understand to be primarily financial — and the need to prioritise safety work.
The report has been submitted to the TfL Commissioner. Our local councillor, Paul Swaddle (Conservative Opposition Group Leader and Councillor for Regent’s Park Ward), kindly wrote to the TfL Commissioner, Mr Lord, on 23 December, urging urgent action and highlighting that the local petition had reached approximately 388 signatories at that time.
Our local Labour MP, Rachel Blake, has also agreed to meet with me, and an appointment has been arranged for early February.
In the meantime, I have issued a formal complaint giving TfL 28 days to advise what action will be taken. The full text is included below for your further information and context.
What Is Needed for a More Permanent Reduction in Noise
To achieve a sustained reduction in noise and vibration, the following measures are required:
Timely rail grinding to remove corrugation and restore rail smoothness
Installation or enhancement of rail dampers and resilient fixings where feasible
Ongoing condition monitoring and regular maintenance to prevent recurrence
Interim operational measures, such as speed reductions, until permanent works are complete
FORMAL COMPLAINT
Ref: 22666098
Date: 19 December 2025
Dear Mr Wilson,
I write further to your letter dated 16 December 2025 and the accompanying technical report concerning noise measurements undertaken at my property, for which I thank you.
Having reviewed the report, I note that TfL’s own findings confirm that the primary source of the disturbance is significant rail roughness and long-wavelength corrugation on the southbound Jubilee line, with additional intrusive noise characteristics arising from the northbound line and the nearby points and crossing. The report describes deep low-frequency rumble, high-pitched noise, and impulsive events, all of which are recognised as particularly intrusive within residential environments.
Importantly, the report attributes the disturbance to identifiable and maintainable track defects rather than to unavoidable operational noise. Notwithstanding this, no timescale has been provided for remedial works, nor have any interim mitigation measures been identified. Given the duration and severity of the disturbance, this position is unsatisfactory.
The noise and vibration materially interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of my home, cause sleep disturbance, and have an adverse impact on health and wellbeing, including stress and fatigue. The persistent nature of the vibration also raises concerns regarding the longer-term impact on the fabric of the property. These effects engage considerations relevant to statutory nuisance and environmental health obligations.
In light of the above, I formally request that TfL:
Confirm whether the section of track between St John’s Wood and Baker Street is included within TfL’s corrugation monitoring and management programme;
Confirm when the affected rails and associated points and crossing were last subject to grinding, reprofiling, or renewal;
Set out what interim mitigation measures may be implemented pending the finalisation of the 2026 rail-grinding programme;
Confirm whether post-remedial noise and vibration monitoring will be undertaken to verify the effectiveness of any works; and
Confirm whether additional mitigation measures, such as under-track vibration dampers or acoustic barriers, have been considered and whether they could be deployed at this location.
Given that TfL’s own technical evidence identifies maintainable defects as the cause of the disturbance, I request confirmation within 28 days of the actions proposed and the indicative timescale for implementation.
Should this matter remain unresolved, or should no clear mitigation plan be forthcoming, I reserve the right to escalate the complaint to the relevant Environmental Health Authority, and the London Assembly, relying on TfL’s technical findings and the ongoing impact on residential amenity and health.
In the interim, and should permanent works not be immediately forthcoming, I ask that TfL confirm whether any short-term measures can be implemented to reduce disturbance, including but not limited to:
Temporary speed restrictions on both lines;
Lubrication or friction modifiers; and
Any other measures designed to reduce impulsive or low-frequency noise.
I should also note that a local petition relating to this matter, available at https://www.change.org/Train_noise_Marylebone has now attracted approximately 377 signatories, reflecting the wider community impact of the issue. I have also raised this matter with our Member of Parliament, Rachel Blake MP, who has agreed to meet with me in the New Year to discuss the ongoing disturbance and TfL’s response.
As you will appreciate, the current level of noise and vibration makes it impossible for my family, and others in the community, to obtain a peaceful night’s sleep. Accordingly, clarity as to when TfL intends to give priority to addressing this problem is of paramount importance. I am aware that some affected residents are actively considering collective legal action, having received only standard responses from TfL over a number of years and, more recently, in response to their complaints, which have cited funding constraints without identifying a clear mitigation plan. Those residents are now seeking advice from specialist solicitors in this field. An earlier commitment to remedial works, or a clear and credible programme for mitigation, would provide reassurance and may assist in avoiding further escalation.
I look forward to your substantive response.