Every city in the European Union with more than 250 000 inhabitants will be
required to draw up 鈥渘oise maps鈥� of their streets by 2002. The measure is part
of the European Commission鈥檚 forthcoming directive aimed at limiting noise
pollution.
EU environment commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard told a meeting of noise
scientists in Copenhagen last week that 80 million people suffered 鈥渦nacceptable
levels of continuous outdoor transport noise鈥� daily in the EU. By next year,
scientists will decide on common methods for measuring and mapping noise. The
directive could force a cut in levels of motorised traffic in cities.