Universal Hollywood pledges more soundproofing after neighbors complain about riders' screams

Universal Studios Hollywood has agreed to erect an additional sound barrier around its newest attraction following complaints from nearby residents about the loud screams coming from riders. The commitment came after a meeting attended by at least 350 people.

Park executives also pledged at the meeting that the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster will not operate between 8AM and 9AM for the remainder of the year.

The ride, which opened on September 16th, reaches speeds of up to 72 mph. Several measures had already been put in place to reduce noise, including an existing sound barrier, a design intended to keep the coaster largely quiet during operation, and a feature that turns rider cars away from the residential area during key moments when screaming is loudest.

Those steps have not satisfied residents of the nearby, affluent Toluca Lake neighborhood. Among them is Roy P. Disney, a great-nephew of Walt Disney, who argued that the situation could violate Universal Studios' land usage permits.

Another resident at the meeting said the noise was interfering with his ability to compose music. Several attendees also pointed out that most of their homes predate the park itself, which began life as a movie studio in 1912 before becoming a theme park in 1964.