Noise by neighbours: an update

Abstract

RIVM conducts an annual survey of residents' perceptions of their living environment. This includes monitoring data on residents' perception of noise, odours and vibrations. Between 2019 and 2022, more than 8,000 Dutch residents aged 16 and over took part in these surveys. Online questionnaires presented people with a range of possible sources of annoyance and sleep disturbance in their homes and neighbourhoods. Road traffic noise is a major source of severe annoyance and sleep disturbance. Mopeds and motorcycles in particular cause severe noise annoyance. Compared to 2016, more people experience severe annoyance from the sound of vans. Road traffic also causes annoyance through vibrations. Neighbours are the second most important source of noise annoyance and the most important source of severe odour annoyance in the Netherlands. The latter is mainly due to odours from fireplaces, fire pits and barbecues. Neighbours' activities also cause severe annoyance due to vibrations.