ePrints

Impact of Motorway Speed Management on Environmental Noise: Insights from High-Resolution Monitoring

Lookup NU author(s): Emerita Professor Margaret Carol Bell CBE

Downloads

• Published version [.pdf]

Licence

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

© 2025 by the authors.This study explores the impact of road transport on the environment, focusing on noise pollution. Using high-resolution, one-minute data from a low-cost environmental sensor, this research examines traffic flow dynamics, meteorological influences, and their relationship to noise along a major transport corridor. The methodology combines cluster analysis and descriptive statistics to evaluate the effects of deploying a Smart Motorway Variable Speed Limit (SMVSL) system over a six-month monitoring period. Results indicate that SMVSL systems not only smooth traffic flow but also significantly reduce noise variability, particularly during peak hours, thus mitigating noise peaks associated with adverse health outcomes. LAeq values were found to differ modestly between day and night, with clustering revealing a reduction in extreme noise events (LAmax > 70 dB(A)) in SMVSL scenarios dominated by heavy goods vehicles. This study further identifies associations between unmanaged speed regimes and elevated noise levels, enriching our understanding of the environmental impacts of unregulated traffic conditions. These findings inform sustainable planning and policy strategies aimed at improving urban environmental quality and enhancing public health outcomes.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Chakravartty A, Dissanayake D, Bell MC

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Acoustics

Year: 2025

Volume: 7

Issue: 2

Print publication date: 01/06/2025

Online publication date: 28/03/2025

Acceptance date: 19/03/2025

Date deposited: 08/07/2025

ISSN (electronic): 2624-599X

Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020018

DOI: 10.3390/acoustics7020018

Data Access Statement: The data supporting the reported results were kindly provided by National Highways through Amey Ltd. (London, UK) for the specific purpose of this research, i.e., for educational purposes only. Due to confidentiality agreements, these data cannot be disclosed or shared publicly. For inquiries regarding potential access, permission may be sought directly from National Highways or Amey Ltd

Altmetrics

Share