The Highways Agency has not detailed undertaken work to estimate the likely number of people adversely affected by noise arising from the use of the strategic road network over the last eight years.
The Environmental Noise (England) Regulations 2006 (as amended) include provisions to improve the information available to the public about noise and its effect. The regulations require the preparation of strategic noise maps for urban areas, major roads, major railways and major airports. Following the completion of mapping, an action plan is to be drawn up to manage noise and reduce it where possible.
This action plan will include an estimate of numbers of people affected by traffic noise from major roads, which includes a majority of the strategic road network.
Mapping and action plans are to be prepared on a five year cycle. All mapping for this current cycle has been completed and is
available to view on the internet at
www.defra.gov.uk/noisemapping.
This Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs plan to prepare and consult on drafting action plans later this year.