Mitigation measures to minimise traffic-generated noise pollution in Metropolitan Kuwait

Abstract

Forty representative roadway locations were randomly selected for monitoring traffic flow and noise levels. At local streets, equivalent noise level (Leq) ranged between 56 to 71; at collector streets traffic areas 70 to 83; at arterial roadway 75 to 86 and at freeway roadway areas 75 to 88 dBA during day and night time respectively. Consequently, the level of noise pollution from traffic even at the present time, exceed the outdoor standard limit by a significant margin. The present unplanned growth of residential and commercial infrastructures will adversely affect the level of traffic congestion and noise pollution in Metropolitan Kuwait. There is an urgent need for improving the urban public’s education concerning daily travel and its impact on both the economy and the environment of the state, as well as on the welfare and health of the urban residents. Maximum policy makers’ attentions should be given to promote the use of public transit and non-motorised modes of urban travel in Kuwait.