One quarter of Espoo residents are exposed to road traffic noise

A survey was conducted in Espoo on road traffic noise and the number of people exposed to it. The noise survey complies with the EU’s Environmental Noise Directive and has been previously carried out in 2012 and 2017.

Two different calculation methods were used in the survey; one is required by the EU and the other is usually used in noise surveys conducted in Finland. The calculations are based on data from 2021.

“Based on the calculations required by the EU, 74,000 Espoo residents are exposed to road traffic noise with an average day-evening-night level (Lden) exceeding 55 decibels. This accounts for 25% of the population of the city. Only one per cent of Espoo residents are exposed to rail traffic noise exceeding 55 decibels,” says Environmental Inspector Maria Favorin from the City of Espoo’s Environmental Protection Unit.    

The trend in the number of people exposed to noise in Espoo from 2017 can be assessed based on the calculation method used in Finland and the average sound level (LAeq).

“According to these calculations, 26% of Espoo residents live in areas where road traffic noise exceeds 55 decibels. This is about two percentage points more than in 2017. The number of people living in areas exposed to rail traffic noise exceeding 55 decibels has decreased slightly.”

As the population of Espoo grows, the urban structure needs to be densified. This makes noise abatement challenging.

“The number of Espoo residents living in areas exposed to noise is increasing despite noise abatement measures, as the city has to plan residential construction near services, including areas exposed to noise,” says Favorin. “However, new buildings are not planned or placed in noisy areas without noise abatement measures, which are already required at the planning stage.”

The noise survey has been prepared in cooperation with Helsinki, Vantaa, Kauniainen and the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency. The survey is carried out every five years. The noise survey is used as a basis for the noise abatement action plan and for assessing the harmful effects of noise. The survey also serves as a source of information for municipal residents and for noise-related reporting to the European Commission. In addition to the results, the noise survey contains information on previous noise abatement measures and the calculation methods used in the survey.

“Next, we will start preparing the noise abatement action plan for 2024–2028 together with the City of Kauniainen,” says Favorin. “The action plan includes measures to reduce sources of traffic noise and to prevent the spread of traffic noise as part of city planning. Espoo residents will also be able to have their say on the action plan next year.”

Further information:

Maria Favorin, Environmental Inspector, tel. +358 43 8272259, maria.favorin@espoo.fi

Information on noise and noise abatement in Espoo is available on the city’s webpages on noise abatement.