Accuracy of calculation of road traffic noise

Abstract The Department of the Environment publication Calculation of Road Traffic Noise was published in 1975 as the prescribed method of calculating road traffic noise in order to determine entitlement to noise insulation. The method described in that publication is now frequently used to determine the impact of new roads at the Public Inquiry stage. Since publication, vehicle regulations have changed, as has tyre design. The accuracy of the calculation method is examined, taking into account these factors, and also possible errors owing to meteorological and road-surface effects.