- Muizenberg residents raised concerns over the loud train horn noise, prompting Prasa to test sound levels in the area.
- While some residents find the noise excessive, Prasa defends train horns as an essential safety measure for pedestrians and motorists.
- A meeting between Prasa and local councillor Izabel Sherry is set to explore potential solutions, with Prasa open to adjustments based on the test results.
In response to complaints of “ear splittingly loud” train sirens (horns) disturbing the peace in Muizenberg, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) says it is willing to conduct tests to ascertain horn sound levels in affected areas.
Last week, People’s Post reported on a petition and complaints aired on social media (“Honking too noisy”, People’s Post, 18 February).
In social media complaints, one resident said he understood the need for warnings at level crossings, however train horns have become louder than previous years.
“Trains have always announced their arrival at the level crossings, but the older trains either had softer hooters, or the sound was directional,” he said.
On social media several residents in Muizenberg agreed that current train horns were “ear splittingly” loud.
“Whilst I agree the hooting is loud, it is in fact ear splitting. I must say, the cause is the cars and pedestrians not adhering to booms and lights,” one complainant wrote. “People and vehicles ought to be fined, then there would be reduced hooting and they could reduce the volume, but until people adhere to the rules, I guess very little would be done.”
Meanwhile, in a petition started on change.org in August last year, Muizenberg residents demanded Prasa take immediate action on the train horn noise.
“We as residents of Muizenberg, Cape Town, have been enduring the tormenting noise caused by train horns. These noises are not only disturbing our peace but also impacting our jobs as we have to halt our work and meetings every time a train passes honking its horn,” the statement reads.
“Our well-being is severely compromised due to the sleep deprivation and incessant noise, further exacerbated by the fact that many of us are working from home. According to the Environmental Noise Guidelines from the WHO, exposure to levels greater than 53 db can result in negative impacts. Unfortunately, the noise levels from our local train horns far exceed this.”
Ward 64 councillor Izabel Sherry has since met with affected residents and called a meeting with Prasa to discuss the issue.
According to Prasa, compliance with the use of train sirens is not only a legal requirement but also a necessary step in ensuring the safety of all community members.
said Prasa provincial spokesperson Zinobulali Mihi.
She confirmed a meeting has been called with Sherry.
“We actually have an arrangement to meet with councillor Sherry to discuss the issue next week and we hope to give as much information that will assist the communities to understand this from our perspective.”
Mihi emphasised the importance of train horns as a crucial safety measure to prevent accidents.
“The train siren, also known as the train horn, serves as a crucial safety measure to alert pedestrians and motorists of an approaching train,” she shared.
“Its loud and attention-grabbing sound acts as a warning signal, especially in situations where visibility may be limited or when individuals may be distracted.”
Responding to the complaints from Muizenberg residents, Mihi confirmed that Prasa is willing to conduct tests in affected areas.
“Prasa in the Western Cape is willing to participate in conducting tests at a sample of identified unbearably noisy areas and run measurements to get a sense of the experienced sound levels,” she commented. “Such tests could assist in tabling a design change or driving behaviour in order to accommodate such concerns. It would however be irresponsible to do a blanket approach for the whole corridor without a proven data set of non-conformities.”
Key reasons why a train siren must be blown includes the following:
- Hearing impaired individuals: For individuals with hearing impairments, the train siren is the most effective way to communicate the presence of an oncoming train. Without the siren, these individuals may be at an increased risk of accidents at the crossings.
- Distracted individuals: In today’s fast-paced world, people can often be preoccupied with their smartphones or other distractions while crossing the tracks. The loud siren helps to capture their attention and prevent potential accidents.
- Increased risk of accidents: Without the siren, pedestrians and motorists may not be aware of an approaching train until it is too late, leading to a higher risk of accidents and potential fatalities.
- Warning signal: Pedestrian crossings are often situated near busy train tracks.
- Legal and regulatory requirements: Many transportation authorities and government regulations mandate the use of train sirens at pedestrian crossings to ensure safety compliance. Non-compliance may result in legal consequences and safety issues.
- Limited visibility: Many pedestrian crossings may have obstructions or bends in the track, limiting the visibility of the approaching train. In such cases, the siren becomes especially vital in providing advanced warning to those near the crossing.
In conclusion, Mihi said the identified safety concerns remain a key challenge to tempering with the design output sound levels of the X’Trapolis train.
“Whilst the EMUs have sound output levels in excess of 120 dB as compared to the old 5M2 trains, they equally have a far soft and quieter ride due to less movement between the interconnected coaches.”
