Influence of the traffic flow in urban noise pollution

Abstract

Noise pollution in urban environments is becoming increasingly common and it has potential to negatively impact people’s health and decrease overall productivity. As one of the most influential environmental issues in the cities of Europe is the traffic-related noise, directly affecting around 60% of the population. In order to alleviate these effects, it is important to better quantify noise patterns and levels through methods for noise level estimation. Based on the European Directive 2002/49/EC, this paper proposes conventional methods for quantify noise pollution through noise measurements and creation of predictive noise maps in urban area in the central part of the city of Skopje. By following a methodology for noise measurements, the noise level was measured, indicating increased level of noise. Afterwards, the traffic flow as important parameter for noise level estimation was analysed during one year for 4 seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter). Based on the traffic flow, 12 predictive noise maps were created in the IMMI software using the NMPB Routes 96. Correlation between predictive noise maps and noise measurements was established, indicating the traffic flow as an important parameter for noise level estimation. To analyse the subjective influence of noise during certain time period and to define the critical noise source causing annoyance to the popuation, a questionnaire about the noise influence was carried out.