DROITWICH residents living near the M5 have complained about the level of noise coming from the ‘nuisance’ road since it became a smart motorway.
And, following complaints from residents Wychavon District Councillor Margaret Rowley is now calling upon Highways England to acknowledge the problem which has affected those living in the nearby villages of Tibberton, Oddingley, Hadzor and Wychbold.
She said people had been promised that resurfacing works as part of the Smart Motorway Scheme which would reduce tyre noise but, she added, creating a fourth lane on the carriageway had only exacerbated the issue.
“Highways England claims the noise reduction due to the resurfacing had been balanced by the increase in noise levels due to the fourth lane running,” she added.
“That is not the reduction in noise levels that we were promised.
“In fact, residents living close to the motorway tell me the noise has actually increased since the speed limits had been lifted and four lane running had been fully operational.”
She added Highways England needed to acknowledge that it had created a problem and do something about it.
Coun Rowley said residents who were affected by the noise from the motorway had until Wednesday, February 28, to claim for a grant for sound-proof insulation and ventilation for their homes.
Anyone who lives within 300 metres of the M5 junction 4a to 6 Smart Motorway Scheme can send a letter giving details of the problems caused and request that an offer of insulation or grant should be made in accordance with the Noise Insulation Regulations 1975.
The address people should write to is: Highways England, Major Projects Division, 5 St Philips Place, Birmingham B3 2PW.
The Standard contacted Highways England but no-one was available to comment yesterday at the time of going to press.
