Mapping Environmental Noise in BristolSteve CrawshawBristol City Councilsteve.crawshaw@bristol.gov.uk

Contents

SILENCE - Bristol’s RoleModelling Traffic Management ScenariosNoise MappingBenefits \ ChallengesConclusions

Bristol’s Sub - Projects

WP I2 – Soundwalks (GRECAU)WP I3 - Noise Strategy for BristolWP H3 - Driver Assistance Systems for Quiet Vehicle Operation WorkWP H1 Traffic Management Measures to reduce noise (Noise Mapping)

Modelled Scenarios

Modelling noise impact of the following traffic management measures

“Showcase” bus routes (not modelled)Broadmead ExpansionSpeed Limits on urban motorway (M32)10 mph speed reduction citywideHGV Ban on A4 Portway

M32 Speed Limits

Part of Transport Plan BidDifferent speed limits depending on

Direction of travelSection of road

New bus lane inbound on offside laneAlso modelled – 40 mph limit on entire urban section

2005

National

Speed

Limits

GBBN

40 \ 50 mph

Inbound

40 \ 60 mph

Outbound

40mph

Entire

Urban

Section

Building Evaluation

Difference in Lden between 2005 and

GBBN Scenario

Building Evaluation

Difference in Lden between 2005 and 40mph Scenario

Impact Summary

Scenario Reduction in annual CO2 emissions Mean reduction in annual mean NO2

Maximum reduction in Lden at building facade

Tonnes Per Year µgm-3 dB(A) 40 mph 2630 0.5 4.5 GBBN 1180 0.3 3.5

Context Total road emissions of CO2 in Bristol are 489,000 tonnes but the 40 mph limit represents a reduction of 15% on current CO2 emissions for the M32

Annual mean limit is 40 µgm-3 (currently exceeded)

No limits at present but these reductions are more than halving sound emissions.

City Noise Mapping

Road and Rail NoiseUsed WG – AEN Good Practice GuideEnvironmental Noise DirectiveCADNA – A

CRTN – UK MethodPublished August 2007

Methodology – Input Data

TopographyExtensive manual editing required

Road and rail networkTraffic flow (traffic counts)Traffic compositionAverage speed (GPS)

BuildingsBuilding heights (aerial survey \ GIS)

Road and Rail Noise Map:

Bristol

Resources

Eurocities Working Group NoiseGood Practice GuideWorkshops Communicating with Public

Silence PartnersConsultancy

Campbell Associates

Benefits

“Pump priming” Bristol’s Noise Mapping WorkImproved environmental assessment of major schemes

M32 P&RAssist in Green Capital BidService Delivery! – demand from public

Challenges (Project)

TechnicalLearning curveICT

Staff Time – “core work” sidelinedProject Management

Break – up of EU project teamNo money yet!

Challenges (Noise work)

No access (hitherto) to noise maps or source data used in Noise Mapping England (END)Responsibility for developing and implementing Noise Action Plans in the UK is unclearNo funding for ongoing strategic noise work in Bristol (non statutory)

Applications

Assessing noise impact of major developments

Broadmead ExpansionBristol Arena

Local Land Charges – “How noisy is the area?” (funding source?)Quality of Life \ LiveabilityHealth Impact AssessmentReview action plans under ENDManaging environmental noise?

ConclusionsBristol could be one of the only councils with the ability to map environmental NoiseNo funding for ongoing noise mappingGood synergy with Local Air Quality ManagementSILENCE has delivered a valuable tool in environmental assessment and protection. The Future: UK Local Authorities managing environmental noise? (we hope!)

www.www.bristolbristol..govgov..ukuk//noisemapnoisemap