Noise: Ambient noise
Ambient or environmental noise is unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport - road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic - and from sites of industrial activity.
- European policy on environmental (or ambient) noise
- The Environmental Noise (England) Regulations 2006
- The Environmental Noise (Identification of Noise Sources) (England) Regulations 2007
- The Environmental Noise (Identification of Noise Sources) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2007
- National Ambient Noise Strategy
- Aviation Maps
European policy on environmental (or ambient) noise
In 1996 the European Commission issued a Green Paper in which it was stated that an estimated 20% of the EU citizens were exposed to noise levels that scientists and health experts considered to be unacceptable, at which most people become annoyed, sleep is disturbed and health may be at risk.
There are already a number of EU directives in place to control noise from transport sources, for example from vehicles and outdoor machinery. The Green Paper proposed a more strategic approach control by focusing on those exposed to environmental noise. The Commission believes that such an approach would require comprehensive information about noise exposure levels across the EU and what action is being taken at local level.
In July 2000 the Commission issued a proposal for a Directive relating to the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise (the Environmental Noise Directive). It concerns noise from road, rail and air traffic and industry. It focuses on the impacts of noise on individuals, and it complements existing EU legislation which sets standards for noise emissions from specific sources. The Directive 2002/49/EC was published in the Official Journal on 18 July 2002.
The Environmental Noise Directive requires Member States to make Strategic Noise Maps for major agglomerations along major roads, major railways and major airports within their territories.
Action plans will also have to be drawn up. These will be designed to manage noise issues and effects including noise reduction if necessary.
The dates for the completion of the first round of maps and action plans are 30 June 2007 and 18 July 2008 respectively.
The Environmental Noise (England) Regulations 2006
The Environmental Noise (England) Regulations 2006 give effect to EU Directive 2002/49/E, relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. The Regulations which were laid before Parliament on 7 September 2006 and came into force on 1 October 2006 are not intended to address domestic or neighbourhood noise.
Airport technical guidance designed for operators of civil airports that are likely to be affected by the Regulations has been produced. This guidance does not apply to those airports that have been designated under section 80 for the purposes of section 78 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982.
The Environmental Noise (Identification of Noise Sources) (England ) Regulations 2007
Pursuant to Article 3 (1) of the Environmental Noise (England) Regulations 2006 these Regulations identify all:
- first round agglomerations
- first round major roads
- first round major railways
The Regulations also identify major airports by listing them. The Regulations which were laid before Parliament on 20 February 2007 came into force on 19 March 2007.
The Environmental Noise (Identification of Noise Sources) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2007
These Regulations amend Schedule 4 to the Environmental Noise (Identification of Noise Sources ) (England) Regulations 2007 and remove three airports (Gloucestershire, London Biggin Hill and Shoreham) from the list of major airports listed under this Schedule. The Regulations were laid before Parliament on 23 August 2007 and came into force on 20 September 2007.
National Ambient Noise Strategy
Work is currently underway to develop a combined National Noise Strategy covering both environmental and neighbourhood noise, which will be launched in due course.
Aviation Maps
The results of the aircraft noise mapping that has been carried out for the 18 airports that had to produce noise maps under the requirements of these Regulations are available for download.
Further information on background to the Environmental Noise Directive can be found on the Commission’s website.
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Page last modified: 20 May 2008