Ealing ranked among London’s quietest for vehicle noise

Ealing has one of the lowest rates of vehicle-related noise complaints in London, according to new figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Between 2022 and 2024, just 72 complaints — equating to 0.6 complaints per 10,000 residents were logged for Ealing. This places it among the quietest boroughs in the capital when it comes to vehicle-related noise.

By contrast, Islington emerged as the noisiest borough, with a total of 855 complaints over the same period — an average of 13 per 10,000 residents. Westminster followed with 475 complaints (7.5 per 10,000), then Camden with 459 (7.0) and Kensington and Chelsea with 303 (6.9).

Ealing’s neighbours reported significantly higher levels. Hillingdon recorded 247 complaints, or 2.6 per 10,000 residents. Hounslow registered 155 complaints (1.8 per 10,000), and Hammersmith and Fulham had 110 complaints (2.0 per 10,000). All three boroughs recorded more than double Ealing’s complaint rate per 10,000 residents on average.

Some councils, including Brent and Harrow, did not respond to the FOI request which was made by vehicle-buying service webuyanycar.

Richard Evans, Head of Technical Services at webuyanycar, said: “The findings reveal some interesting patterns about vehicle noise across London. The capital’s high ranking for noise compared to other regions is unsurprising, with the highest levels of complaints concentrated in central boroughs where traffic is denser.”

“In general, West London boroughs recorded more complaints than East London boroughs, although the difference was not substantial. That said, Ealing was one of London’s quietest areas for vehicle-related noise complaints. However, it’s neighbouring boroughs of Hillingdon, Hounslow and Hammersmith and Fulham, all received more than double Ealing’s number of complaints on average.”

Mr Evans also noted that excessive vehicle noise can lead to enforcement action: “Even when your car is in your driveway or garage, creating excessive noise can still prompt responses from the authorities.”