Transportation noise affects more people in the world than any other noise source, and roads, railways and aircraft movements can all generate significant impacts. New or changed transport schemes can affect existing noise sensitive receptors, or new receptors, such as housing or hospitals, can be introduced in the vicinity of existing transportation noise systems.

Most assessments require that the existing situation is measured, and this is compared to the situation that is predicted to occur after development. However, in some circumstances, both the existing and future situations are calculated, in order to provide a consistency of approach, and in cases where there is no physical change other than the number or type of vehicle movements, just the noise change is predicted.

The latest noise and vibration measurement instrumentation is used to allow the most appropriate and cost effective approach to noise and vibration survey work to be adopted. Unattended and attended surveys are both used, depending upon circumstances and local planning authority requirements. However, it should be noted that weather conditions can affect noise levels, and consequently standards and regulations usually require that monitoring should be undertaken during calm, dry conditions. This should be borne in mind when planning assessments.

State-of-the-art noise modelling software capable of modelling even the most complex scenarios and producing high quality graphical noise mapping is used, where appropriate, and this allows assessment of proposed scheme layouts and comparisons of different scheme options.  Mitigation options can be assessed at the design stage and cost-benefit analysis can be undertaken.

Assessment of proposed road schemes can be undertaken in accordance with the appropriate section of the Highways Agency’s “Design Manual for Roads and Bridges”, and eligibility under the Noise Insulation Regulations and Land Compensation Act can be assessed for both roads and railways

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