Brinek: Tram causes massive tremors
Whenever the tram in Hernals, Vienna drives over a specific track switch, there is massive noise and tremors on the 5th floor of an apartment building close by. The disturbances are even worse since a new generation of trams which initially was supposed to be less noisy are being operated. Measurements reported an increased noise disturbance level of another 5 to 7 decibel.
„Wiener Linien“ (responsible for the public transport system in Vienna) as well as the owner of the building „Sozialbau“ have already known about the problem for years, but both pointed out that there was a valid authorisation for the building and for the operation of the tram.
For Ombudswoman Brinek the to and fro between “Sozialbau” and “Wiener Linien” at the expense of a young family is unbearable: “It’s a proven fact that a technical solution can be found. Under no circumstances must the family be left behind in this dispute. Therefore, I invite representatives of ‘Sozialbau’ and ‘Wiener Linien’ to work together on a quick solution.”
Artificial ventilation system causes constant noise
The second case also deals with noise, this time in an apartment building in Währing, Vienna. The owners of an apartment complain about a new building – belonging to a private hospital - that has been built in immediate vicinity and that is the source of constant noise.
On the rooftop a new artificial ventilation system was installed. After several changes of the construction plan, the project was finally authorised based on the basis of the Viennese hospital law. Ombudswoman Brinek questions whether this legal basis is correct and thinks that the building has to obtain an authorisation according to the general Viennese building act. “This act offers a better protection for neighbours and I therefore ask the authorities to reconsider the legal basis of their decision. Administrative proceedings should be re-started on that ground”, Brinek says.