Universal promises extra sound barrier for Fast & Furious coaster after neighbours' noise complaints

At least 350 people attended a Wednesday meeting about screams from Universal Studios Hollywood's new Fast & Furious rollercoaster, which opened on 16 September. 1 2 Park executives promised the ride will not operate from 8 to 9 a.m. until the end of the year. 1 2 They also promised a temporary barrier adding over 1,900 square feet of sound-absorbing material, with installation planned for 1 October, according to Deadline. 1

One attendee told Deadline that if the barrier works, the park must apply for permits to make it permanent. 1 Executives said riders wearing helmets and face shields, and fully enclosed cars, were ruled out over safety concerns including emergency evacuations. 1 Existing measures include an earlier sound barrier and cars that turn away from the Toluca Lake area at key scream moments. 1 2

Residents said the measures were not enough; one said he can no longer compose music at home, and others noted their houses predate the park. 1 2 Roy P. Disney, a Toluca Lake resident, said he believed the ride violates Universal's land-use permits, a claim not addressed by the park in the coverage. 1 Deadline, whose account relies on attendees because the meeting was closed to press, reports it turned hostile after an executive joked that noise-cancelling headphones would solve the problem. 1