Road traffic noise control into the nineties

The control of traffic noise requires techniques aimed at lowering vehicle noise levels along with complimentary techniques and strategies that deal with the many other elements of the road traffic system. This paper is concerned with techniques for traffic noise control other than those related to reducing vehicle noise emissions. Initially the components of the traffic noise problem in Australia are defined and categorised variously from large volume flows on major road facilities through to general increases in urban area ambient levels. Several noise control techniques are considered and an attempt is made to assess their effectiveness when applied to each particular problem category. The techniques include road design, traffic management, barriers, planning, building design, incentives and promotion campaigns. Since the ultimate effectiveness and acceptance of these techniques depend on how well they are technically and socially implemented, an appropriate strategy for development, coordination and implementation of the techniques is proposed. It is argued that only via such a cohesive strategy can road traffic noise be effectively controlled throughout Australia into the nineties. The paper is based on a recently completed report of the Australian Environment Council's Transportation Noise Subcommittee (A).