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New Report: Lower speeds can cut traffic noise |
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“Cutting speed is the just about quickest way to cut noise and improve people’s quality of life” A new report just launched by the UK Noise Association has found that reducing speed is the “most immediate and equitable way” of cutting traffic noise. It found there was “a measureable link” between traffic noise and speed. In urban areas with speeds of between 20mph and 30mph, a reduction speed by 6mph would cut noise levels by up to 40%. And reducing 70mph and 60mph speeds on urban motorways could cut noise by up to 50%. The report endorses the speed limits recommended by the European Conference of Transport Ministers and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in their guidelines on tackling the impact of speed on environmental quality, including noise. In round figures that would mean an upper limit of 55mph on motorways, inter-urban roads and main roads in rural areas; 20mph - 40mph on minor rural roads and main roads in urban areas; with a 20mph limit on urban residential roads. The report lays out measures to cut speeds and enforce these lower limits. It also calls for the noise impact of new ‘green’ cars to be rigorously assessed before they come on the market. John Stewart, the Chair of the UK Noise Association, said, “This report shows that lower speeds can cut traffic noise. And that it is doesn’t require rocket science to do so. It just needs political will. The message for this and any future Government is that cutting speed is just about the quickest way to improve the quality of life for millions of people.” ENDS Notes for Editors: (1). Report enclosed For further information: John Stewart on 0207 737 6641 or 07957385650 Press Release dated 14th December 2009 |