Developing noise exposure standards

These comprise numerous measures such as a common noise classification scheme, the definition of a standard index and a standard method for calculating noise exposure levels, the introduction of noise-monitoring, and noise-zoning.

Human health and wellbeing can be improved by reducing exposure to noise through introducing targets that take into account recommendations contained in WHO guidelines on noise (1980, 1993, 1999), including concern for specific environments where quietness should prevail (residential areas, schools, hospitals), environments where the noise of transport activities should be reduced (areas within range of airports, highways, railways, terminals, petrol stations) and sensitive time periods (nights, evenings, weekends).

Keeping night-time sound levels in residential areas within WHO recommended night-time values and, where these values are currently exceeded, striving to reduce them to recommended sound levels.

Protecting existing quiet parkland and conservation areas and promoting quietness in such areas, by keeping down the ratio of noisy transport activities relative to background sound levels in these areas.