Bristol must address noisy roads and rail routes

Bristol residents suffering from noisy major roads and railways may find some of their problems will be addressed as the city is to set up a Noise Action Plan.

Bristol is one of the largest 23 urban areas in the country which has been targeted by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to reduce road and rail noise.

A series of noise maps has been created, identifying major routes causing headaches in the city.

The council will now have to investigate these areas to see what can be done to improve sound levels.

They may have to take action to reduce noise through roadside sound barriers, better road surfaces, lower speed limits for drivers or even sound insulation in residents’ homes.

Environment Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said:  “Noise pollution can have a real impact on people’s lives and their health. We can’t just turn down the volume along major transport routes, which millions of people use every day, but we’re asking for local solutions to make sure the effects of noise are properly managed, in order to improve health and quality of life.”