Sound

Noise Map 2016

In 2004, the European Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC was implemented and took effect in Dutch legislation. This was later incorporated into the Environmental Management Act under title 11.2 'Noise Maps and Action Plans'. The purpose of this directive is to map noise pollution from traditional sources and to consider measures via an action plan to control and reduce excessive noise pollution. The preparation of a noise map is repeated every five years and has now been carried out for the municipality of Voorschoten for the years 2006, 2011, and 2016. Subsequent action plans are also drawn up every five years.

The results for 2016 are included in the report “Noise Exposure Maps 2016: EU Environmental Noise Directive.” You can download it at the bottom of this page. The report illustrates the noise levels observed near residences and certain other noise-sensitive buildings, caused by road and rail traffic. The study is of an inventory nature and does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the cause-and-effect relationship. However, a comparison is made with the results from the previous noise exposure map from 2011. To view the “ Maps ” accompanying the report clearly, you can access them interactively on a special website: www.icinity.nl. Select the municipality of Voorschoten, road or rail traffic, and the map type showing the results.

For road traffic, the research data show that the highest noise levels occur along the N447 arterial road from the border with the municipality of Leidschendam-Voorburg to the border with the municipality of Leiden. Compared to 2011, the number of homes with a noise level Lden >55 dB has decreased by 10%. This is mainly due to better modeling of a number of parameters in the noise model. Traffic intensities and noise levels have remained virtually the same. For rail traffic, the research data show that the number of homes with a noise level Lden>55 dB has increased by approximately 30% 34% compared to the year 2011. This is partly due to an increase in the number of rail traffic movements, but primarily due to better modeling of a number of parameters in the noise model.