Public participation of noise action planning by the Modell project "Do it quieter" in Leipzig

Public participation is a key aspect of modern noise abatement planning. This goal-oriented approach is implemented in the European Environmental Noise Directive since 2002. In Germany, the individual participation in planning processes is increasingly in the focus of public interest and in political discussions. Citizens are already involved by the developing of concrete proposals of noise reduction measures and the determination of quiet areas. Moreover, the growing demand for acoustic quality of life indicates a higher juridical interest. Therefore, the courts have to answer several questions in this context. For example, the subjective right in the arrangement a noise action plan and its binding effect for private companies. In order to strengthen public participation further, the German Environment Agency supports two projects of the environmental alliance Ökolöwe e.V. "Do it quieter - Participation of noise action planning in Leipzig". The third project have to start this year. These model projects demonstrate in several districts of Leipzig how public participation can be used as an effective instrument to protect the inhabitants against noise pollution. This model project may serve as an example in the respect.