Cars and Highways Noise
What Can Be Done About Traffic Noise
Pollution From Ground Vehicles?
Cars and highways are a more constant source of noise pollution. The everyday
effects they have on the environment is indisputable, something made clear by
Paris’s recent car-free day . With 30% of the city being made officially off limits to
vehicles for one day, noise pollution dropped by 50% whilst other forms of pollution
dropped by similar percentages. This test was not to promote a city without transport
but to highlight that more can be done in a battle against noise, and other, types of
pollution.
Luckily, this is gradually becoming a worldwide issue with places, such as
Costa
Rica joining the fight against noise pollution by implementing strict noise limits and
fines for loud vehicles. Cities and people can change this by using bikes and electric cars more. Walking or
getting a bus to work instead of driving. If these options become more popular, or
mandated by the government, the effects on noise pollution would be drastic. Sirens,
car horns and other alert noise would be quieter because the revving of engines
would not be as loud.
Technologically there are also important changes that can be implemented. Again,
the Netherlands has been a leading country against this problem and even
manipulated noise pollution to the planet’s benefit. Recently,
noise-reduction
barriers that also generate solar energy are being installed alongside busy highways in the
Netherlands.
It was also recently found that bamboo is a far more effective sound absorber than
concrete possessing an incredible ability to absorb sound. Bamboo fences are also
being
tested alongside highways as an alternative to big ugly slabs of concrete.
There needs to be greater attention towards these natural inventions not just by
governments and organisations but also within cities and towns and homes.