# The Impact Of Transient Noise Levels In London Lisa Lavia Noise Abatement Society London Lorry Control Scheme Review - Operators Workshop 9 March 2017

1
Introduction to the NAS
2
Noise is a Public Health Concern
3
Defra: Noise Policy Statement for England
4
Soundscape: Design Led Solutions Ensure Better Outcomes
Lisa Lavia, Noise Abatement Society London Lorry Control Scheme Review, Operators Workshop
9 March 2017 

## Nas - Championing Public Concerns

Since 1959: UK's only NGO dedicated solely to noise pollution and soundscape education and solutions National Noise Helpline John Connell Awards Love Your Ears™ Sounding Brighton Launched Quiet Mark™
Silent Approach™ Soundscape Approach
@noise_abatement www.noiseabatementsociety.com Noise is a Public Health Concern London Lorry Control Scheme Review - Operators Workshop
9 March 2017
Noise - A Public Health Concern

'the health impacts of 
noise are a growing 
concern among both 
  the general public 
and policymakers in 
       Europe'

World Health Organization, 2011

## Scale Of The Problem: Does Noise Pollution Matter?

It's expensive and a threat to public health.

- 'At least one million healthy 
life years are lost every year 
from traffic related noise in 
western Europe.' World Health 
Organisation, 2011
- 'Noise pollution costs UK 
taxpayers £7 billion to £10 
billion per annum: the highest 
environmental cost 
following air pollution at 
£16bn.' Defra
# Defra: Noise Policy Statement For England

London Lorry Control Scheme Review - Operators Workshop
9 March 2017

## Uk Government'S Policy On Noise Noise Policy Statement For England Aims

- Promote good health and a good quality of life 
through the effective management of noise within the context of Government policy on sustainable 
development.
- Avoid significant adverse impacts and mitigate and 
minimise adverse impacts on health and quality of life 
from environmental, neighbour and neighbourhood noise
- Where possible, contribute to the improvement of 
health and quality of life through the effective 
management and control of environmental, neighbour and neighbourhood noise
- "the effective management of noise requires a coordinated and long term approach that encompasses 
many aspects of modern society"
Source: Defra

## Uk Government'S Policy On Noise

Applies concepts from toxicology to noise impacts

NOEL - No Observed Effect Level
- This is the level below which no effect can be detected. 
In simple terms, below this level, there is no detectable 
effect on health and quality of life due to the noise.
LOAEL - Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level
- This is the level above which adverse effects on health 
and quality of life can be detected.
SOAEL - Significant Observed Adverse Effect Level
- This is the level above which significant adverse effects 
on health and quality of life occur.

## Uk Government'S Policy On Noise

- Not possible to have a single objective noise-based 
measure … applicable to all sources of noise in all situations. 
- SOAEL is likely to be different for different noise 
sources, for different receptors and at different times. 
- Further research needed regarding what may constitute 
a significant adverse impact on health and quality of life 
from noise. 
- NPSE provides necessary policy flexibility until further 
evidence and suitable guidance is available.
- Decisions regarding statutory nuisance decided by LAs
based on local context

## Soundscape: Design Led Solutions Ensure Better Outcomes

London Lorry Control Scheme Review - Operators Workshop
9 March 2017

## Sound Vs Noise - The Urban Design Challenge

'The great challenge is not
   [just] to decrease the 
 adverse health effects (in 
 noisy areas), but to create
      good and health
 promoting soundscapes.'

Professor Birgitta Berglund, Stockholm University, 
       ENNAH Conference, London, 2011

## Soundscape* - How Humans Perceive Sound

- Defined as 'the acoustic environment as perceived or 
experienced and/or understood, by a person or people, 
in *context'* (ISO 12913-1:2014)*
- Recognises **sound** as a **resource**, rather than noise as 
waste
Image: courtesy of Dr Östen Axelsson, oan@psychology.su.se
* Based on sociotope mapping ("places for people") -
developed by the City of Stockholm Urban Planning Administration 2000 - 2002

## Tuning Urban Design - E.G. Screening, Reflection, Absorption Community Engagement Soundscape Conceptual Model* Community Engagement Soundscape Conceptual Model*

Soundscape management must be in response to local characteristics and requirements Soundscape's interdisciplinary approach helps communities with diverse "social use" profiles where traditional approaches may not work/have failed Intelligent, context-sensitive soundscape approaches provide new options for designers and planners and better solutions 
- Lavia, L., Dixon, M., Witchel, H.J., Goldsmith, M., (2016). Applied Soundscape Practices. 

In J. Kang & B. Schulte-Fortkamp (Eds.), Soundscape and the Built Environment. London, UK: CRC Press.

Model - Original design by: Jorunn Hustoft for Noise Abatement Society Removing noise as a barrier. Permission to grow.

Soundscape Planning for Transportation

- *24/7 window* 'permission to grow' - *Quiet(er) vehicles & equipment*; 
refined operations, colleague training
- *Reduced carbon* emissions - *Better air quality* and amenity - Improved *road safety for cyclists* and 
vulnerable road users 
- Novel solutions, new metrics, new 
design principles to allow concurrent 
activities at all times
- Crucial to meet rapid urbanisation
trends & Night Time Economy  growth
Thank You and Questions Lisa Lavia lisa.lavia@noise-abatement.org London Lorry Control Scheme Review - Operators Workshop
9 March 2017