Noise emanating from roads

Traffic is one of the aspects of contemporary life that is considered to be a big nuisance. Yet, we all take road transport for granted and our streets are packed with cars, trucks and buses. The sight of cars parked in every conceivable corner and the related traffic congestion are a source of constant annoyance.

The effect of emissions on air quality is discussed relatively often. However, the consequences of noise on our quality of life and on public health are less talked about while they are widely recognised as having a potential impact.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has just published a draft Noise Action Plan, which is now out for public consultation. I should point out immediately that this plan mainly focuses on environmental noise caused by major roads as identified by the Environmental Noise Directive and not on noise nuisances emanating from entertainment venues, neighbours, construction or fireworks, although such nuisances at home or at the workplace may, of course, include valid concerns.

The draft Noise Action Plan is based on EU legislation on environmental noise, which aims to establish a common approach across Europe to prevent or reduce any harmful effects, including annoyance, due to exposure to environmental noise.

For the time being, the assessment being carried out in Malta is focused on noise associated with major roads that pass through urban, industrial and rural areas. Noise maps have been prepared to estimate the level of noise emitted from these major roads.

The mapping is done using computer-modelling techniques and using various sets of data including traffic flow, type of road, vehicles, buildings and bridges, traffic flow and speed, and the road gradient and surface. This information can then be used to calculate the number of people regularly ex­posed to specific noise levels.

These noise maps are available for viewing on the Mepa website and will be extended over the coming years to include information on noise within specified urban areas.

Once information on noise levels is available, the next step is to identify actions that might be taken to address the situation and in which priority areas. There are many kinds of action that might be considered.

For example, a certain level of tranquillity might be desired in schools, playgrounds, public parks and gardens, cemeteries, nature reserves or hospitals. Measures could include the restriction of delivery times, the changing of routes used by heavy vehicles or other traffic, the enforcement of speed limits or the insulation of building façades through double-glazing and other measures.

Noise may be incorporated into planning policies by setting up noise management zones or designating specific quiet zones within urban or rural areas. Noise is already addressed in some environmental impact assessments as part of the planning process.

Noise can also be mitigated through conditions regulating new development, whether in the construction or operational phase of the project. Increased use of public transport may also help limit noise through a reduction in vehicles on the roads.

Once potential actions have been identified, it is essential that the cost-effectiveness of these actions is factored in through a cost-benefit analysis. Any potential actions taken must deliver genuine benefits.

One of the aims of Mepa’s draft Noise Action Plan is to identify ways to improve our quality of life through the effective management and control of environmental noise associated with major roads.

The public is encouraged to actively participate in the ongoing consultation that is open until the end of June.

Dr Bianchi is environment protection director at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority