What is transport noise?
The effects of excessive transport noise can disturb sleep, cause annoyance and affect mental health and anxiety.
Transport noise can come from various places with the main sources being:
- engine noise
- tyre noise
- braking by larger vehicles such as buses and trucks.
Mapping transport noise
DEFRA undertook a strategic noise mapping exercise in 2017 (Round 3) to highlight Noise Important Areas (NIAs), which are 'hotspots' of transport noise from both road and rail.
In West Sussex, NIAs have been mapped along main A roads, where traffic volumes are high and properties are close to the roadside.
- View noise and NIA maps.
- View further information about DEFRA’s Strategic noise mapping and Noise action plans on GOV.UK.
Who is responsible for managing transport noise?
As the Highway Authority, we are responsible for investigating any appropriate solutions to manage the noise generated by traffic. The Government requires us to investigate the results of the noise mapping and report back to DEFRA.
Please use our online form to report issues relating to traffic.
Other organisations responsible for managing transport noise in West Sussex are the Highways Agency (for the A23, A27 and M23), Network Rail, Shoreham Airport and Gatwick Airport.
For issues related to other sources of noise, contact the Environmental Health department at your local district or borough council.
Consultation on Draft Noise Action Plans, October 2018
The DEFRA consultation on revised Noise Action Plans closed on 15 November 2018. Our response to this consultation is available below.