REDUCING speed limits and building sound barriers are among the measures being considered to tackle some of the Capital's noise hotspots.
City leaders have drawn up maps of Edinburgh that identify the areas where residents are plagued by the noise of heavy traffic and trains, but also highlight some of the quietest spots. Granton, Tollcross and Gorgie are among the city's noisiest area
s, while parts of Inverleith, the Braid Hills and Craigentinny have been identified as among the most tranquil.
A total of 19 areas across the city are set to be designated "noise management areas" as part of a new Scottish Government drive to tackle noise pollution.
A public consultation on the Government's plans is ongoing but council chiefs will be expected to come up with steps to reduce noise levels along busy road and railway lines.
Among the actions suggested by the Government are using low-noise road surfaces, banning certain types of vehicles, limiting the time of day vehicles have access to a road and varying speed limits. It is thought planners will also be urged to insist on rigorous noise controls for new developments.
Opposition politicians and environmentalists today called on the council to make full use of the noise maps.
Mark Sydenham, spokesman for Friends of the Earth Edinburgh, said: "The maps are a great idea because they highlight the problem areas but also give us an opportunity to focus on related problems such as air quality.
"The council does need to look at ways of mitigating noise pollution but it shouldn't be done in isolation and should match up with the wider transport and environmental policies."
The council's noise list is for roads which have 1000 vehicles or more on an average day, and areas that endure more than 60,000 trains passing every year.
Health effects of excessive noise include sleep disturbance, mental health conditions, heart disease and high blood pressure. EU estimates claim that around 80 million people in Europe suffer from noise levels that scientists and health experts consider unacceptable.
Councillor Robert Aldridge, the city's environment leader, said: "The draft noise action plan for Edinburgh is a useful tool to help us identify areas of the city where noise from road or rail traffic might be excessive. It also highlights areas that could be considered as 'quiet areas'.
"It is important that the public have an opportunity to comment on the work so far. The Scottish Government has put the draft plan out to consultation to ensure that this happens.
"I would encourage members of the public to feed in their views, as well as all relevant council departments."
Labour's environment spokeswoman, Councillor Maureen Child, said: "The maps are a good starting point but the action to do something about the noise will be the crucial point.
"The maps will also be a good guide for people who want to object to a particular planning application, they can use the maps as a point to prove their area is already too noisy."
The full article contains 507 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
