IRF calls for action on road traffic noise

IRF BPC calls for more effective implementation of Noise Reduction Maps According to the European Union Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise (END), the Member States of the European Union have committed to abide by a strict timetable of milestones and deliverables, all aimed at reducing current levels of noise and improving the life of Europe's citizens. As part of this overall strategy, European leaders were required to submit national noise action plans by
July 12, 2012 Read time: 3 mins

IRF BPC calls for more effective implementation of Noise Reduction

According to the 1116 European Union Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise (END), the Member States of the European Union have committed to abide by a strict timetable of milestones and deliverables, all aimed at reducing current levels of noise and improving the life of Europe's citizens.

As part of this overall strategy, European leaders were required to submit national noise action plans by 18 January of this year, targeting major roads and all agglomerations with more than 250,000 inhabitants. However, so far, only four Member States have submitted their plans.

Meanwhile, millions of citizens continue to be exposed on a daily basis to unacceptable levels of noise pollution. According to a report released by the European Union, about 40% of the population in EU countries is exposed to road traffic noise at levels exceeding 55 dB(A), and 20% is exposed to levels exceeding 65 dB(A) during daytime. More than 30% is exposed to levels exceeding 55 dB(A) during night time. These figures should be put in perspective with 3263 World Health Organisation guidelines for community noise, which stipulate less than 30 dB(A) during the night to enable good quality sleep, and less than 35 dB(A) in classrooms to ensure good teaching and learning conditions.

The Brussels Programme Centre (BPC) of the International Road Federation (IRF), representing some of the main stakeholders concerned by the application of END, has long acknowledged the societal impacts of its activities and, for this reason, is actively promoting measures to help fight noise and thus improve the quality of life of European citizens. In this respect, it naturally supports efforts implemented within the framework of the END Directive.

Nevertheless, as stated in its Position Paper of 27 April, entitled 'Effective Assessment Method for proposed Noise Reduction Solutions', the lack of a mandatory impact assessment mechanism to properly evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed measures, coupled with many Member States' willingness (particularly in the current economic climate) to opt for the cheapest rather than necessarily the most effective measures, risks jeopardising the success of this ambitious project, and may significantly limit the anticipated benefits for citizens.

Effective noise reducing devices do exist already. However, opting for the cheapest, or a 'one size fits all' solution will not only fail to bring down current levels of noise sufficiently, but may also cost more in the long run, given that corrective measures will most likely have to be taken at a later stage.

The IRF BPC urges all concerned stakeholders to demonstrate the necessary political will in order to bring about a genuine and long-lasting reduction of noise.  Further information at %$Linker: External 0 0 0 oLinkExternal [email protected] Nelson Bunn false http://[email protected]%20/ false false%>
Road Markings, Barriers & Workzone Protection

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Czech minister Tok warns Eurovia to speed up D1 bridge repairs
    January 8, 2015
    The Czech transport minister has given construction firm Eurovia until April to start repairs on two bridges it built or face having its bank guarantees withdrawn. Transport Minister Dan Tok, who until December was the chief executive of Skanska in the Czech Republic, said he would call for a new tender for the repairs if no action is taken by Eurovia, according to a report by the Czech internet news portal iDNES. Tok said that the road bridges constructed six years ago on the D1 motorway slip road in
    Read More
  • IRF assisting in developing sustainable asphalt road technologies
    October 1, 2014
    The IRF is a member of the Advisory Group of the EDGAR project aiming at delivering greener asphalt roads This is an important project as reducing energy consumption is a major challenge and responsibility for the construction industry. This is not just because of the rising prices of fossil fuels, but also because of the ecological impact of the associated emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG).
    Read More
  • Show of Strength for Asphaltica-Samoter 2014
    May 14, 2014
    This year’s 50th anniversary of the first edition of Samoter in Verona, Italy, could mark the start of a construction equipment sales’ renaissance for a nation with a rich construction equipment manufacturing heritage. Guy Woodford reports It’s been a tough few years for the Italian construction equipment manufacturing industry. A difficult domestic and wider European sales market coupled with a challenging European economic climate has created something of a perfect storm. But many Italian and other Eur
    Read More
  • New silica proposal is based on flawed economics, ARTBA tells OSHA
    February 17, 2014
    A proposed Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulation concerning exposure to crystalline silica is based on decades old data and flawed economics, claims the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). At issue is OSHA’s plan to regulate the worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Crystalline silica is found in nearly all transport construction materials and products and can even be found naturally in the ambient air.
    Read More

Highlighted Content