Environmental zones against noise pollution

It is no news that big cities can be very noisy, often due to the heavy traffic on their roads. Increasingly, transport authorities in different cities are trying to find a solution and reduce acoustic pollution for the benefit of their citizens. In France, some cities have recently decided to confront the phenomenon directly and take more concrete measures against noise offenders. After first tests on the so-called "road of 17 curves" and in Nantes, a new speed trap will soon be installed in eight cities - including Paris and Nice.  

The "Medusa", as it is called thanks to its extraordinary five microphone arms, is a sonic radar with an automatic ticketing system. With the help of the equipped state-of-the-art sensor and the 360-degree camera, it is able to measure the ambient sound level in decibels and immediately identify the source of the noise. The coupled licence plate reader then enables the identification of the owner and the subsequent assignment of the fine.  

However, the amount of the fine has not yet been determined. In Paris, for example, where the "Medusa" is to be used for the first time in November, no verbalisation of the fine is planned for the first three months. This is because before the new speed traps are installed nationwide, the authorities want to make sure that the speed cameras meet the technical requirements - and effectively contribute to the fight against noise pollution.  

Noise is always a major nuisance, not only in city centres but also in the countryside. Especially at popular excursion spots for motorcyclists, there would be a need for the authorities to intervene to alleviate the effects of acoustic pollution. In Spain, for example, in the Alt Pirineu Nature Park, such a decision has recently been taken. The special feature? The background is not to improve the quality of life of local residents, as is typical in cities, but to establish a protection zone for the habitats of local fauna.  

Unlike in France, there are no volume measurements or decibel limits here. As the sign at the park entrance states, "Access is prohibited for motorbikes, quads, ATVs and non-electric buggies all year round for noise protection reasons". A kind of noise protection zone reminiscent of the one in Außerfern (Austria) - despite a fundamental difference. In contrast to Austria, where the limit that cannot be exceeded is 95 dB, all vehicles designated by the sign are banned - regardless of the decibel values they reach.  

Instead, electrically powered vehicles in these categories are permitted, in that, according to the nature park administration, these are supposed to be a quieter alternative. In order to promote and encourage the electrification of transport in the area, the creation of charging points in the vicinity of the nature park is already planned. Otherwise, all other motorbikes and light vehicles with combustion engines will continue to face road closures on the Alt Pirineu.  

A traffic measure that, like the "Medusa project" in France, has received a lot of criticism. However, a trend can be observed not only in France and Spain, but increasingly also in other European countries. The authorities and governments are no longer aiming exclusively at reducing pollutant emissions - for example with the help of environmental zones - but also at reducing noise pollution and its harmful effects. Whether this is for the optimisation of the quality of life in Europe's cities, for the benefit of the affected ways of life or for the love of the environment in its entirety.