Topic

Noise

Noise pollution is a major environmental health problem that can cause serious mental and physical problems in urban areas. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), road traffic is the main source of environmental noise in Europe. Around 100 million people are affected by harmful levels of noise, that is more than 55db.

Local and regional authorities can play an important role in reducing noise pollution. By developing and implementing Local Noise Action Plans, they can improve the quality of life and quality of housing in urban areas, increasing their attractiveness both for inhabitants and businesses. Noise abatement measures include the introduction of low-noise road surfaces, the improvement of traffic flows, the promotion of low-noise vehicles and the introduction of lower speed limits.


Projects and Working Group activity

POLIS facilitates the exchange between its members on the reduction of noise pollution in urban areas via the Working Group on Clean Vehicles and Air Quality, the Safety and Security Working Group, and the Active Travel Working Group.

POLIS is currently part of the EU-funded project LENS, assisting enforcement authorities, cities, and regulators to decrease the contribution of L-category vehicles (mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadri-mobiles) to noise and air pollution.

Image: Choksawatdikorn/Shutterstock


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