A review of transport noise management plans in large North American and European cities

Abstract

Noise management plans of large cities are diverse along many factors, such as the responsibilities amd interactions at different levels of governance (national vs. local) and definition of noise (measurement-reliant vs. subject-centered). More specifically, for the regulation of transportation noise, there are various ways these sources are identified (by source type or acoustic signal properties), managed (time of day, zoning, and context), and controlled (police v. specialized departments, complaint systems, treatment of private v. public sources). The regulations, official communications and plans for transport noise are analyzed for 20 major North American and European cities (> 500,000 inhabitants) in order to assess current noise management strategies. Over the past 15 years, an extensive body of academic literature has provided grounds for a soundscape approach to urban noise where “appropriate” sounds can be used to positive effect. Current management plans are also examined for existing applications of this soundscape approach. Results will assist in highlighting trends and will feed into the development of best practices for noise management and regulation in large cities. This review is part of a larger project (Sounds in the City), a collaborative research effort with the City of Montreal, to shape the future of urban noise management.Noise management plans of large cities are diverse along many factors, such as the responsibilities amd interactions at different levels of governance (national vs. local) and definition of noise (measurement-reliant vs. subject-centered). More specifically, for the regulation of transportation noise, there are various ways these sources are identified (by source type or acoustic signal properties), managed (time of day, zoning, and context), and controlled (police v. specialized departments, complaint systems, treatment of private v. public sources). The regulations, official communications and plans for transport noise are analyzed for 20 major North American and European cities (> 500,000 inhabitants) in order to assess current noise management strategies. Over the past 15 years, an extensive body of academic literature has provided grounds for a soundscape approach to urban noise where “appropriate” sounds can be used to positive effect. Current management plans are also examined for existing applicat...