Paris puts noise on the map

Fifty nine percent of the population of Paris are plagued by noise, according to a website displaying the average noise level of every street, avenue and square in Paris.

The noise data, collected by the National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), illustrates why noise is perceived as the most common nuisance, followed by vandalism (49%) and pollution (25%). It is in line with the noise being seen as one of the greatest health hazards among the general population. The dynamic noise map was published on the internet by the Paris authorities four years ahead of the deadline for such maps, as outlined by new European Union regulations on noise pollution. The directive on noise prevention demands that every city with a population of 250.000 or more produce a noise map before 2007. This tool will allow the politicians to take appropriate action to diminish noise pollution, which, in Paris, is mostly the result of excessive traffic. The situation is deemed to be critical. More than 7% of the inhabitants of the French capital are exposed to noise levels exceeding 71 dB. The map was the result of two years of work and is based on daily average traffic noise measured year-round between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.. It can be seen in 2D or 3D. To check the noise map, go to www.paris.fr/FR/Environnement/bruit/carto_bruit/carte.ASP. Sources: www.lexpress.fr & www.paris.fr