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Shouting out for change above rising traffic din

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-25 09:20

Shouting out for change above rising traffic din

A report on the environmental quality of Beijing in 2009 was recently published that states the city is suffering from excessive noise pollution.

For a rapidly developing city with an expanding population and traffic system, it is perfectly reasonable that noise is on the increase. But that does not mean that city leaders should sit idle. It is impossible to eliminate noise completely, but there are ways to reduce it.

In a modern city, motor vehicles are responsible for the main part of noise pollution. They generate noises in two ways: the sound of their engines, and the sound of their tires on the road. Vehicle makers should be required to install necessary equipment to reduce engine noise. To reduce noise from tires, rubber pellet can be mixed with asphalt to cover the top layer of a road. It is similar to laying a carpet on the road and it greatly reduces noise.

There is much that can be done in city planning and building design to reduce noise. In traffic-dense areas, sound-buffers can be set up. However, roads in Beijing are usually very wide with high rises lining them, so the screens might have little effect other than obstruct views for residents.

Roads that are not backbones of traffic should not be built too wide. Thinner streets are suitable for residency and commerce. Furthermore, enough space can be reserved for green belts, which can contribute a lot to reduce noise. The green belts should be covered mainly by trees.

A legal system is also a must. Germany, for example, worked out series of laws to manage noise. Cars are restricted in using their horns, and there is strict limit on vehicle speed in dense residential areas. Noise victims can apply for subsidies from the government to purchase noise reduction equipment.

For a big city like Beijing, residents should also be encouraged to take public transport.

Excerpts from a comment in Beijing Youth Daily, June 22