Environmental noise - introduction

"Environmental" or "ambient" noise is unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including road, rail, aircraft and industrial noise.

In 1996 the European Commission estimated that 20% of EU citizens were exposed to noise levels that scientists and health experts considered to be unacceptable.

It's important to distinguish between environmental noise and nuisance noise, for example from noisy neighbours or disturbance in the street. If you are experiencing this kind of nuisance noise, please contact our pollution control team.

Bristol City Council has produced a noise map of the city as part of our participation in the SILENCE project. Noise mapping for Bristol has also been conducted by DEFRA under the requirements of the Environmental Noise Regulations (2006).

Noise Action Plans will be developed during 2010 to address unacceptably high environmental noise in all major cities in the UK. Bristol City Council will be working with DEFRA and our neighbouring councils to develop a noise action plan for the Bristol agglomeration.