Train PA system too loud, says resident

THE Health Unit at eThekwini Municipality has promised to look into a complaint regarding the loud Public Address (PA) system at Dalbridge Station.

Residents in the area are hoping for some solution to this ongoing problem which, according to one resident, starts every morning at around 3.30am when Dalbridge Station switches on the PA system to wake up the whole of Glenwood and surrounding areas.

“I find it quite irritating and inconsiderate to say the least. It is so loud that it can be heard in Lena Ahrens (Manning) Road,” said the resident.

She said she had phoned Metro Rail to find out if the system could be turned down but was told they were unable to rectify this.

“Metro Rail claim that the commuters cannot hear the announcing of trains on the platform due to the noise of the traffic coming from the freeway which the station faces, and Sydney Road. There is little or no traffic on the freeway and Sydney Road at that time of the morning to warrant the PA system being so loud,” she said.

She commented that there had been no problem for about a year and wondered what had led to the sound being turned up.

Neil Larratt from eThekwini municipality said the Health Unit would assess the situation and intervene if necessary.

“If the PA system is creating a noise nuisance or disturbance then it contravenes various statutes. The Health Unit will investigate and advise the complainant of the findings. In addition the complaint will be officially logged and the complainant advised of the reference number,” he said.

He said the Environmental Health Services managers for the area had been informed of the issue.