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71
Reduction in Pollution
The 1966 Annual Report of the Scientific Adviser to the Greater
London Council discussed air pollution and indicated that not only smoke,
but now also sulphur dioxide, is diminishing.
The Report showed that results for 1966 from seven representative
sites in Inner London indicated a yearly average smoke concentration of
65 micrograms per cubic metre, representing a reduction of 14 per cent
compared with the previous year.
Measurements of sulphur dioxide by the daily volumetric method at
these seven sites indicated a yearly average concentration in 1966 of
17 micrograms per cubic metre, showing a reduction of 11 per cent over
the previous year. Following upon a reduction of 14 per cent a year
earlier, this result suggests that a downward trend in the pollution of
the air of London by the consumption of sulphur-containing fuels is at
last in evidence.
NOISE ABATEMENT ACT, 1960
One hundred and fifty-six complaints concerning alleged noise
nuisances were received, an increase of sixty-five over the preceding
year. 53% of the complaints related to noise caused by industrial
works, road works (use of pneumatic drills and compressors), building
operations and miscellaneous plant and machinery in commercial premises.
Noise caused by neighbouring residents in private dwellings accounted
for 27% of the total complaints received and the remaining 20% concerned
clubs, dance halls, musical chimes from ice-cream vans, schools, barking
dogs, etc. All complaints were thoroughly investigated and, in most
cases, the fullest co-operation was given to implement suitable methods
either to reduce the noise in intensity or to eliminate it completely,,
No cases were considered suitable for legal action by the Council and
in cases where complainants were not satisfied with the power of action
available to the Council's officers, their rights under private action
were explained to them. With regard to industrial noise, it is a good
defence in any proceedings to prove that the best practicable means have
been used for preventing it or counteracting its effect. Apart from the
Council having authority to take action, any three or more persons who
are aggrieved by a noise nuisance may make complaint direct to a Magistrate.
Section 2 of the Noise Abatement Act, 1960, deals with the use of
loudspeakers on the highway. It prohibits their use (except for
specified services) for any purpose between 9.00 p.m. and 8.00 a.m. and
at any other time for advertising any trade, business or entertainment,
provided that between noon and 7.00 p.m. a loudspeaker fixed to a
vehicle used for the sale of perishable foodstuffs may be operated to
announce that the commodities are on sale; the loudspeaker is, however,
not to be so operated as to give reasonable cause for annoyance to
persons in the vicinity.
In view of the marked increase during the summer months of the use
of musical chimes by ice cream traders after 7.00 p.m., the Health
Committee directed that concerted action be taken against this nuisance.
and during July and August the public health inspectors carried out
nightly observations throughout the borough.
Resulting from this action, 44 offenders were fined a total sum of
£113 and £32 costs were awarded to the Council.
SLUM CLEARANCE
Action already taken
The following table gives details of the clearance areas declared
in the borough since 1950:-