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The Noise Abatement Act stipulates noise zones for roads. The noise zone is an area of planning concern. The width of the zones depends on the nature and size of the road: the number of lanes and whether it is located in an urban or rural area. Specific conditions apply to residential construction within zones along roads. These conditions are intended to prevent undesirable living situations. These conditions differ for existing and new homes and for urban and rural areas. In addition, these conditions vary per municipality, depending on their noise policy. Outside the zone boundary, residential construction, etc. is possible without restriction in terms of road traffic noise.
No noise zones are prescribed for roads within a residential area and for roads with a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h. This is because the latter roads are not expected to cause noise pollution above the preferred limit value of 48 dB.
Since July 1, 2012, noise emissions from national highways have been controlled by means of so-called noise production ceilings, which have been established for this purpose and are listed in the National Highway Noise Register.
Noise pollution from roads must be calculated in accordance with the 2012 Noise Calculation and Measurement Regulations, Appendix III. Noise pollution near roads depends on source parameters (intensities, distribution across light, medium, and heavy motor vehicles, speed, and road surface type) and transmission terms (distance, noise barriers, nature of the area between the road and receivers, etc.).
The intensities of national roads are based on data from the National Road Noise Register. The intensities of other roads are based on information provided by the road authority(ies) for the reference year within a period of ten years.
Peutz calculates such noise pollution as part of planning changes, infrastructure adjustments, and for the purpose of dimensioning facade noise insulation for new construction projects, for example.
In specific cases, the noise pollution from roads is measured. Peutz has the capacity for long-term noise monitoring near roads. Noise measurements can also be used to determine the specific properties of the asphalt used.
