The WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines and noise policy in Denmark - the case of noise from motorways

The WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines and noise policy in Denmark Studies from Denmark - and a background article from the WHO report on Environmental Noise Guidelines from 2018- supports the Danish noise limit on Lden = 58 dB for ordinary roads for 10 % highly annoyed. Other studies however shows that motorways are more annoying - close to WHO guidelines at 53 dB. A Danish investigations point to Lden = 52 dB for 10 % highly annoyed for motorways. A Swiss study suggests Lden 51 dB for 10% highly annoyed for motorways. According to the studies the Danish EPA has made an investigation of the consequences for new motorways and urban planning - if the guidelines would be changed from 58 dB to 53 dB. It shows the difficulties for urban planners if the noise limit would be changed - but also that it is fact possible to lower the limits technically - through speed limits, noise barriers etc. The study also shows that new projects for new housing economically would be difficult outside larger cities - because of increasing cost. This paper shows what policy implications this entails in Denmark.