Noise nuisance: severe nuisance, 1993 and 1998
Developments in severe nuisance
The periodic nuisance surveys conducted by TNO show that, in 1998, 44% of the Dutch population experienced severe nuisance from one or more of the noise sources listed in the survey. In 1993, this percentage was 40%. However, compared to 1987, the percentage of people subjected to severe nuisance (52%) has fallen but the shift in the trend is a result of the change in the sources asked about in the survey.
The top three sources of severe nuisance are: road traffic, neighbours and air traffic. After an initial fall, there has been an increase in the main source of severe nuisance, namely scooters and mopeds (road traffic). In 1993, 13% still suffered severe nuisance; this figure had increased to 17% in 1998. The number of people experiencing severe nuisance from noise caused by neighbours rose again: from 13% in 1993 to 22% in 1998. The number of people experiencing severe nuisance from trucks, motorbikes and military aeroplanes has fallen since 1987: from 15 % in 1987 to 9% in 1993 and 7% in 1998 (de Jong et al., 2000).
Policy
The old objective for noise in the NEPP3 of 'no severe nuisance in the year 2010' has not been achieved. More than 40% of the Dutch population currently suffer severe nuisance caused by environmental noise from a combination of road, air and rail traffic. The nuisance objective no longer determines the new policy (NEPP4). The objective for 2030 is to ensure good acoustic quality in all areas. Acoustic quality means that the noises heard are appropriate to the function of the area. This means, for example, that more noise is permitted in a busy town centre than in a quiet residential area or in a natural area. More than in the past, local government authorities will be granted discretion to determine the quality requirements for each area.
