THE HIGHWAY ENGINEER AND THE NOISE INSULATION REGULATIONS, 1973

The noise insulation regulations, 1973, introduced compensatory measures for occupiers of dwellings affected by high levels of noise generated by traffic on new and certain altered highways. A of l10 (18 hour) of 68 db(a) is prescribed as the level at which the provisions of the regulations are to be brought into operation. Present predictions indicate a substantial increase in traffic flows during the next decade, with an increasing percentage of the population being adversely affected. The basic problem and the concepts on which the specified levels are based, are reviewed. Limitations on the use of the criterion in other than free flow traffic conditions are emphasised and a plea made for the pooling of information to produce relevant design criteria for other urban traffic systems. Noise measurement and analysis techniques are described and some criticism is levelled at restrictions on measurement imposed by the regulations. Insulation of buildings against noise should not be regarded as the answer to the problem. Greatest benefit will be derived from reduction of noise at source. (A) /TRRL/