Cities quieter thanks to 30km/h speed limit | Umweltbundesamt

Imposing a speed limit of 30 km/h is reasonable in both residential areas as well as on major urban arteries. It reduces noise exposure and increases the quality of life in cities. Further measures to combat noise include quieter cars and buses – equipped with low-noise tyres – or quieter roads covered with modern low-noise asphalt.

Stricter noise limits are also needed: for cars, aircraft and railway rolling stock as well as consumer goods (i.e. lawn mowers). This would reduce noise directly at its source, which is more effective than physical measures such as the installation of noise protection walls or soundproof windows. Of course, each individual person can also help by making less noise – switching from driving a car to cycling or walking, for example.

Traffic is a major source of noise. Noise causes illness and deteriorates quality of life. Cardiovascular diseases and psychological problems including depression can result from long-term exposure to noise. Excessive noise can impair speech development and mental performance in children. Noise is also costly: the European Commission estimates that traffic noise in the EU generates costs of around 40 billion euros per year, 90% of which is due to road traffic noise, related healthcare costs and the depreciation of real estate.

On the occasion of this year’s Noise Awareness Day under the slogan "Quietly! – This way", a German Environment Agency video clip explains the causes and effects of noise, which measures can help to combat noise, and what the individual can do about noise.