Early start for Carnival 2009

In this story: Case study one - Carnival goers are advised to wear earplugs Case study two - Elderly residents enjoy a break away from Carnival What do you think?

This year’s Notting Hill Carnival will start at 9am as part of a raft of measures to ensure that the event is safer and more enjoyable for residents and visitors.

Kensington and Chelsea Council and its partners Westminster City Council and the Metropolitan Police are calling for three organisational changes to secure Carnival’s future and ensure that by 2012 it is a world-class event epitomising the spirit of the Olympics.

The changes are intended to ensure that Carnival closes down before nightfall to reduce crime and help the emergency services communicate with each other over the weekend.

These include:

• a ceiling on the number of vehicles coming onto the route. The Council and Carnival organisers have this year agreed on a ceiling of 138 vehicles coming onto the route.  To ensure that these vehicles complete the route before nightfall organisers have agreed to an earlier starting time of 9.00am.With crime increasing sharply after dark, closure before nightfall is essential if the level of serious assaults and public disorder witnessed last year is to be prevented in 2009. 
• the closure of the judging point on Great Western Road at 6.30pm. This does not mean the end of Carnival at this time, but research reveals that taking into account the procession speed this is the latest time the bands can pass the judging point and still complete the route before nightfall.
• asking Carnivalists to ensure that the 135db noise limit, introduced for last year’s Carnival, is adhered to more rigorously. Levels of more than 140db have been recorded at Carnival.  Not only is the current sound level potentially damaging to the hearing of participants, it makes it impossible in some circumstances for police, fire and ambulance officers to hear radio instructions. 

Case studies

The two case studies below highlight the Council’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Carnival goers and residents.

Case study one: Carnival goers are advised to wear earplugs

People taking part in the Notting Hill carnival are being advised by the RNID to use earplugs to protect their hearing.

Carnival is a very noisy event. Kensington and Chelsea Council’s noise officers have measured sound levels at the event, which if sustained even for short periods, can damage hearing.

The Council wants to set a maximum level of 135 decibels.  This is still extremely loud as standing next to a pneumatic drill is measured at 110 decibels. By setting a peak level of 135 decibels the Council hopes it can reduce the average sound levels people coming to carnival will be exposed to.

Experts agree that continued exposure to noise at or above 85 decibels over time can cause damage to hearing.

Emma Harrison, Director of External Affairs at the RNID says: “If you love the beat at Carnival, remember to look after your ears, so you can enjoy it forever. Listening to music too loud, for too long, damages hearing. At work, there are laws to prevent anyone from being exposed to noise above 137dB, because hearing can be damaged very quickly at this volume. However if you are listening to music outside of work, you are the only person responsible for looking after your ears. Stay safe by wearing reusable earplugs, standing away from speakers and taking regular breaks from loud music.''

Case study two: Elderly residents enjoy a break away from Carnival

Once again 40 elderly north Kensington residents will be given the opportunity to enjoy a break away from the hustle and bustle of Notting Hill Carnival.

The scheme, now in its sixth year, appeals to older people living near to the Carnival route, who may find the exuberance of the weekend too much. Residents aged 65 plus will be driven to the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone on Saturday 29 August and will return to their homes on Tuesday 1 September, once the Council has had time to clear up and the area is quieter and more peaceful.

The scheme originated five years ago after the Council identified that for some people living near the route, particularly the more vulnerable members of the community, the loud noise and crowds make the weekend less than enjoyable.

What do you think?

The Council is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Carnival goers and residents. Do you agree that an early start and early finish will help us achieve this?

Email your comments to rbkcdirect@rbkc.gov.uk