The most significant outdoor noise source in Espoo is traffic. Temporary sources of noise include, among others, construction sites and events. Everyday sounds from the neighbourhood, such as animal sounds and the noise caused by technical equipment or ventilation, are sometimes perceived as annoying. Reasonable sounds of living are part of life in apartment flats. If the noise is considered unreasonable, it is primarily the responsibility of the respective housing company to address the issue. The City and other authorities are responsible for the so-called environmental noise, such as noise from traffic and construction sites. The main sources of noise in Espoo and how to prevent exposure to them are described below.
Road traffic is the main source of noise in Espoo. Road traffic noise is particularly evident along major roads, such as the ring roads, the Turku motorway and the Länsiväylä road. The Uusimaa ELY Centre(external link, opens in a new window) is responsible for noise abatement along these roads. The Public Works Department is responsible for noise abatement for the City of Espoo’s streets and roads. Anti-social driving behaviour may also cause noise, and it is the police’s duty to prevent it.
Motor vehicles cause noise mainly through their engines and tyres. The engine noise coming from the vehicle’s engine is most evident when the vehicle is moving slowly. Combustion engines make more noise than electric motors, so engine noise from driving at low speeds should be reduced with the electrification of traffic. However, the electrification will not have a significant impact on motorway noise levels, as noise levels from the tyres are higher there.
Rolling noise is caused by tyre rotation on the road surface. Rolling noise is low when the vehicle moves at less than 40 km/h. At a speed of more than 60 km/h, rolling noise is the most significant noise source. Rolling noise is higher with studded tyres than with other tyre types. The heavier the vehicle, the higher the rolling noise.
There are various ways to reduce road traffic noise, including noise barriers and land-use planning. Land-use planning can be used to prevent exposure to noise by controlling the placement of buildings in relation to noise-producing activities, for example.
In Espoo, the noise from rail traffic affects areas along the coastal railway line. Noise is caused by the movement of trains on rails, railroad switches and train station announcements.
The Jokeri Light Rail line will start operating in 2024. It has been designed with noise abatement in mind, with the switches arranged so that their operating noise should cause as little disturbance as possible. The track curves are gentle to prevent screeching. Where necessary, structure-borne noise and vibration are reduced by dampening mats installed under the tracks during construction.
Water traffic only occasionally causes noise nuisance in Espoo.
In some areas, the aircraft noise can be perceived as annoying in Espoo. Therefore, it may be necessary to pay special attention to the soundproofing of roof structures in the affected areas. Aircraft take-off from Helsinki Airport mainly to the west and southwest directions, towards Espoo. Landing noise is usually carried to Espoo only during the eastern or northern winds.
There is hardly any noisy industry in Espoo. Operations causing significant noise often require an environmental permit. Besides industry, noise caused by activities such as rock drilling and crushing, motorsport and shooting ranges can be regulated by means of an environmental permit.
Temporary sources of noise include construction sites and various public events, for example. Certain temporary activities must be notified to the Environmental Supervision Unit. A decision made based on a noise notification can, for example, limit the operating times of noisy activities and lay down provisions on noise abatement. Professional operations causing especially disturbing noise must be notified to the surrounding area, including construction work and events that may cause a disturbance, for example.
