Transport for London (25 030 914)
Category : Transport and highways > Public transport
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 19 Jul 2026
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the noise Miss X hears from a nearby tram station. This is because an investigation would be unlikely to find fault with TfL’s actions.
The complaint
- Miss X complained tram bell noise coming from a nearby tram station is negatively affecting her.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by Miss X and TfL.
- I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
- Miss X complained tram bell noise from the nearby tram station is negatively affecting her on a daily basis. She said the noise is making her mental health worse and she is unable to concentrate.
- TfL apologised for Miss X’s frustration but explained that tram drivers must ring their bells to ensure the public are aware of oncoming traffic and to prevent accidents. TfL further confirmed that trams do not operate during anti-social hours.
- Miss X remains unhappy with TfL’s response and the ongoing situation. TfL has provided Miss X with a clear and well thought out response to her complaint. It has confirmed that the tram bells are designed to safeguard the public and apologised for the inconvenience. There is no evidence of fault in TfL’s response nor evidence the bells are excessive or represent a statutory nuisance. An investigation would therefore be unlikely to find fault with TfL’s response.
Final decision
- We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because an investigation would be unlikely to find fault with TfL’s actions.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman