A34 noise problems causing anger to Oxfordshire residents

Wolvercote homeowners say their lives are blighted by the traffic noise from the western bypass road.

And they fear the situation will only be made worse by the increased traffic from large-scale developments such as Oxford North.

Fiona Gell from Rosamund Road said: “If you live in a village on the edge of a city, you hope for a measure of peace and quiet, but we never get that in parts of Wolvercote with the constant - preventable - low level roar of the traffic in the background.”

Hannah and Andrew Fenton, who also live in Lower Wolvercote said “noise from the A34 raises our stress levels.

"Research shows that noise increases cortisol as part of the body’s stress response.”

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Wolvercote residents have long complained of high levels of disturbance from the A34 but the issue was raised again as motorists have used the village as a rat run during a lane closure on the A34 for works on Wolvercote Viaduct.

Councillor Jo Sandelson said: "Now is the time for National Highways to admit that Wolvercote should be protected from the increased air and noise pollution that is caused by added traffic on the A34, A40 and A44 roads.

“These will only get worse once Oxford North, Water Eaton and other developments impacting the local traffic system are built."

She added: "A site specific noise survey, with money raised by Wolvercote residents, was done over two weeks in 2022 by a National Highways-accredited firm and the findings showed that for many people the traffic noise from the A34 exceed Adverse Effect Levels as laid out by Defra’s own noise policy statement for England.

"St John’s College had contributed to the survey, realising the impact of constant traffic noise on local people."

Rob Whitty, who organised the sound survey for the area's 5,605 residents, said the community has been asking for a sound mitigation barrier "for years" with 700 signing a petition in 2015 urging the city and county councils to back plans to install noise barriers.

MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, Layla Moran, raised the issue in Parliament in 2017.

However, last week a National Highways spokesperson said: "We are aware that Wolvercote's residents submitted an expression of interest about a possible noise barrier here. However the funding has been rejected as Wolvercote is not a location that has been identified as a priority for noise mitigation."

He added that National Highways recognised noise was a real concern and had implemented noise reduction measures at 1,150 locations, including on the A34 at Botley, with the programme completing in 2020.

Residents also want Wolvercote, Lakeside and Linkside designated a Noise Important Area (NIA) which would require Defra to produce a Noise Action Plan.

Defra said a number of NIAs have been identified around the A34 Western Bypass Road, but none on the A34 itself.

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Mr Whitty responded: “Knowing their concerns, why not even include a minor upgrade of the existing road barrier, and expansion filler that makes a loud ‘kerclunk’, on the viaduct while they are about the current disruptive upgrade if they are truly trying to be a good neighbour?”

Ms Sandelson added: “National Highways’ website suggests they want to improve the environment surrounding the A34 including a focus on noise to benefit areas of outstanding beauty such as Wytham Woods and Port Meadow.

"The cost of installing an acoustic barrier from north of Peartree to southwest of Godstow Abbey that would last 60 years, including a replacement barrier if needed after 40 years, would be £2.9milllion.

"In comparison, the health deficit without a sound barrier to the community through heart disease, dementia and stress associated with very high levels of noise pollution would be £10.8million.

"National Highways and Defra say isn’t noisy enough in Wolvercote?

"We often have to keep the windows closed at night when the noise from the A34 is particularly intrusive. In the hot weather, this is uncomfortable to say the least and when the sound is particularly loud, it keeps us awake anyway.

"I’d like to invite them to stay over and experience the high decibel levels for themselves."