In the European Union (EU), the main legislative framework for noise control is the Environmental Noise Directive (END). Under the END the member states are required to:
- Produce noise maps every five years for all major roads, railways, airports and cities.
- Calculate the number of people exposed to each noise source (road traffic, railways and aircrafts) inside and outside cities.
- Develop action plans to prevent and reduce noise exposure, particularly in areas where it can have detrimental effects on human health.
The END is an instrument that helps to identify the main noise sources and allows the development of adequate measures to address its negative effects. However, there is no regulation on maximum allowed population exposure levels. Individual actions are taken by member states’ authorities.
For more information, visit: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/noise/directive_en.htm
