Comparison of Road Noise Policies across Australia, Europe, and North America

Maxime Perna, Thomas Padois, Christopher Trudeau, Edda Bild, Josée Laplace, Thomas Dupont and Catherine Guastavino
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Maxime Perna: Department of Mechanical Engineering, École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS), Montreal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Thomas Padois: Department of Mechanical Engineering, École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS), Montreal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Christopher Trudeau: School of Information Studies, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1X1, Canada
Edda Bild: School of Information Studies, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1X1, Canada
Josée Laplace: School of Information Studies, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1X1, Canada
Thomas Dupont: Department of Mechanical Engineering, École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS), Montreal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada
Catherine Guastavino: School of Information Studies, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1X1, Canada

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 19, issue 1, 1-24

Abstract: Developing innovative noise policies that build on international best practices is difficult when policies around the world differ along many dimensions, ranging from different sources covered to different levels of governance involved. This is particularly critical in the context of road traffic, identified as one of the main culprits leading to noise-associated complaints and health issues. In this article, we document the wide range of specifications observed in road traffic policies and propose a methodology to compare noise limits across noise policies. First, we present the responsibilities of administrative governments according to the scope (e.g., emission vs. exposure). Second, we compare noise limits by scope and geographic areas by separating acoustic indicators (overall and event indicators). Third, we convert overall outdoor noise limits into a common basis using the method described by Brink and his associates (2018) and compare them with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recommendations (2018). Finally, measurement protocols are also compared across outdoor noise policies. This paper shows that road noise is managed at several administrative levels using approaches that are either centralized or decentralized. We also observed disparities in the associated noise limits across geographic areas. The converted outdoor noise limits generally exceeded the WHO’s recommendations (2018). Finally, this paper outlines how outdoor measurement protocols vary across geographic areas. However, similarities were identified between state and provincial noise policies within the same country.

Keywords: environmental noise; road noise limits; road noise policies; acoustic measurement protocols (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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