Goal
By 2020, noise annoyance will be reduced by 10% from the 1999 level.
Indicators
Total noise annoyance measured by the noise annoyance index for all sources measured, especially industry, motor sport and shooting ranges
Are we moving in the right direction?
Total noise annoyance in Norway decreased by one per cent from 1999 to 2007. The main reason is that noise annoyance from railways and aircraft decreased by respectively 30 and 10 per cent.
Less noise from rail and air
More houses near the railway line network contributed to the increase in noise annoyance, but this was offset by quieter trains and rail grinding. Less noise annoyance from aviation is related to less noisy aircraft as well as changes in procedures for landing and take-off at some airports.
More noise from road traffic
Road traffic is the major source of noise pollution in Norway, and was responsible for nearly 80 per cent of total noise annoyance in 2007. There was a small increase in noise annoyance from road traffic from 1999 to 2007. More traffic is the main reason. Changes to engine and tire technology has helped to curb the rise in noise annoyance.