On the occasion of International Noise Awareness Day (Wednesday), the Austrian mobility organization VCÖ highlighted new data from Statistics Austria showing that one in three people in Austria is affected by traffic noise. The most frequently cited source of noise is motor vehicle traffic, named by 84% of those affected. Lower speed limits, more traffic-calming measures in towns, and promoting walking and cycling are among the most effective ways to reduce traffic noise, VCÖ said in a press release on Tuesday.
“Too much traffic and excessive speed increase the burden for local residents,” said VCÖ expert Katharina Jaschinsky. According to the latest microcensus from Statistics Austria, 34% of the population aged 16 and older—about 2.57 million people—report being affected by traffic noise. Of those, 84% blame road traffic, 10% air traffic, and 6% trains and trams.
Measures Are Easy to Implement
According to VCÖ, chronic noise exposure can cause sleep disorders, high blood pressure, and even heart attacks and strokes. However, there are effective measures that can be implemented quickly. For example, reducing the speed limit from 50 km/h to 30 km/h is perceived by the human ear as equivalent to halving traffic volume. Speed reductions on rural roads, highways, and expressways can also help in affected areas.
Municipalities and cities can also reduce noise pollution by promoting walking and cycling. VCÖ has invited the public to mark problematic cycling areas on an online map on their website by May 4. These reports will be collected and forwarded to the relevant authorities.
