Policy options for sustainable transport with less noise

Currently, road and air traffic as well as the related noise is increasing in developed and developing countries. On the roads, there is a trend for more powerful and noisier vehicles, particularly trucks and lorries. This growth of personal and goods transportation and related exposure to noise and air pollutants is unsustainable. Currently, protective measures are often roadside barriers and insulating windows for which taxpayers usually end up footing the bill. Noise barriers, walls and insulation are hugely expensive, only ease the problem for those behind the wall or in protected buildings, spoil the natural landscape, and may influence mental health. Policies of local noise prevention measures include: Reducing noise at its source, i.e., strict noise emission limits in the type approval procedures for tyres, new motor vehicles, international trains, and aircraft; environmental zones or low noise emission zones (access restrictions for heavy/noisy vehicles); night-time driving or flight bans; speed limits; traffic flow management; transport demand management including the promotion of public transport; and cycling and walking. Some of these measures are also beneficial in term of reduced air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, accidents and infrastructure wear.