A study investigated whether a guideline of 55dBA as the upper limit for traffic noise for an area which previously had little traffic noise was an acceptable limit. The study was a case study approach of four roads; two had been open for about two years and two had been open for about 12 years prior to the study. A sample of residents was surveyed for their attitudes to road traffic noise in comparison to the general amenity of their area. The study also determined whether the road traffic noise resulted in lower prices for those houses more exposed to road traffic noise, but found no effect could be isolated from other factors which might influence price. The study has found evidence that traffic noise exposure can result in more frequent sales, and some of the early sales can be principally to avoid the traffic noise. (a)
Samenvatting