Assessment of traffic noise pollution in Arau, Perlis

Abstract

Abstract Traffic noise pollution has become an important factor in the growth of society. The noise from a motor vehicle can cause severe damage to human health and reduce labour productivity. The study was conducted in December 2020 in Arau, Perlis. The data collected of traffic composition, volume, traffic flow, traffic noise level (Leq ) and traffic speed were analyzed using Microsoft Excel to elucidate the pattern of roadside noise generated by the vehicle’s movement during peak hours. From the observation, the noise level for both studied areas exceeds DOE guidelines due to increased traffic volume and speed. Traffic volume for both studied areas was increased during morning peak hour, especially in school session. Another factor may contribute to noise level are road condition, wind speed and vehicle speed. Driving a car at a higher speed pass through a yellow line or poor road condition contribute to produce high level noise, especially for heavy vehicles. Furthermore, the correlation in SPSS found that traffic noise level is associated with traffic speed but not traffic volume. Field measurement was taken simultaneously to interpret the relationships among the traffic characteristics using various models, the Burgess model, Fagotti model, and NAISS model. The NAISS model was better than the other models used in term of field measurements.