What can be done to reduce road noise?

• City planning can help to reduce traffic noise and protect quiet public spaces. Noise maps and action plans feed into this long term solution
• Traffic can be managed to reduce congestion and stop/start driving
• Noise reducing surfaces can be used, but they are only effective on high speed roads
• Projects such as Bristol Cycling City will help reduce car traffic in the city
• Reduction of traffic noise can be given higher priority through awareness raising and links with public health

What can you do?

• If you own a car choose quiet tyres next time they need replacing
• Eco driving not only reduces noise impact but also saves you money and reduces co2 emissions
• Support campaigns for 20mph speed limits in the area where you live
• Choose to walk, cycle and use public transport more

The European Noise Directive seeks to tackle the environmental noise problem across Europe by:

• Monitoring the situation with noise maps. You can see the maps for Bristol here;
• Informing residents and collecting their views
• Addressing local noise issues through action plans to manage excessive noise levels and to prevent specified quiet areas from getting noisier.
• Developing a long term EU strategy to reduce the number of people affected by traffic noise

For an example of varying noise levels in Bristol, listen to an audio trail here

In 1996 the European Commission estimated that 20% of EU citizens were exposed to noise levels that scientists and health experts considered to be unacceptable.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is developing a noise action plan for major UK cities, including Bristol. Your input will influence how the action plan is implemented in Bristol. London already has a noise strategy

You can find out more on the Bristol City Council website;

This website is funded by the Citizenscape project

What about other forms of nuisance noise?

This website and consultation focusses on reducing environmental noise. "Environmental" or "ambient" noise is unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including road, rail, aircraft and industrial noise.

It's important to distinguish between environmental noise and nuisance noise, for example from noisy neighbours or disturbance in the street. If you are experiencing this kind of nuisance noise, please contact our pollution control team.

The quality of life survey in Bristol asks people whether they suffer from different sources of noise disturbance where they live. Results from the quality of life survey can be found on the Bristol Partnership website.

Go to the links page for other websites with information on noise and environmental issues.