The environmental noise directive as a catalyst for change in noise policy

The Environmental Noise Directive entered into EU legislation in 2002, and subsequently into the national legislation within the 27 Member States. The Directive sets out a strategic framework for a consistent approach to the management of environmental noise within the EC through a cycle of strategic noise mapping, public consultation and action planning. The activities and deliverables required under the END have lead to noise mapping and noise action planning activities on a previously unprecedented scale in many countries, both within Europe and beyond. With the Directive approaching its tenth anniversary it is an appropriate time to look back at whether it has been a catalyst for change in the approach to noise policy within Europe; and how the current ongoing review of the Directive, and proposed development of a common method of assessment, may affect noise policy in the future.