Gerald Lynch
This story was originally published in August 2024 and Star Weekly has chosen to share it again for readers to enjoy.
A newcomer to the area in Sunshine North is calling for restrictions to lessen the noise of traffic coming from the Western Ring Road.
David Garcia has tried all he can to reduce the sounds coming through his home, but has had no luck.
“At ground level it’s noticeable but in the bedrooms upstairs it is a constant din with occasional truck exhaust brake noise,” he said.
“I have fitted styrene infills to the bedroom windows which has reduced the noise by a small amount but in the middle of the night this noise is very prominent.
“We can’t be the only ones being disturbed by this noise and it has been shown that constant noise can be bad for good mental health.
“It’s overdue that Australia ’enforces’ noise standards on vehicles.
“During our holidays to Europe we noticed trucks there are very quiet as are most cars. I have read that most European countries recognise how loud noise is bad, in general, and take measures to mitigate this by ’enforcing’ vehicles to stay quiet, changing road surfaces and reducing speed limits around residential areas.”
In a letter to Mr Garcia, seen by Star Weekly, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) said it assesses traffic noise levels regularly.
“Since 1979, the Department of Transport and Planning has been implementing noise attenuation measures, including barriers, fences, or earth mounds, along newly constructed freeways and limited-access arterial roads,” the letter said.
“The freeway network noise modelling undertaken during 2011 is used to make strategic decisions on investment needs for noise mitigation measures along eligible sections of freeways based on acoustic threshold requirements.
“The modelling output predicts noise levels from 2011 to 2036 for each fifth year. The modelling also considered factors such as number of traffic lanes, surface treatment, topography and traffic composition and growth rate. DTP does not undertake noise measurements on an ad hoc basis and the modelling outputs are used for assessment of noise levels along a section of freeway.
“It’s important to note that there are numerous locations across Melbourne that meet the criteria for noise wall upgrades or new installations. Regrettably, at present, there are no active programs for noise wall initiatives.”
Mr Garcia will continue to advocate for change, as he urges more noise barriers for the freeway, or for a set of standards to be enforced, needing vehicles to emit less noise.
The DTP has release the ‘Guide to the Reduction of Traffic Noise’ for people in Mr Garcia’s position, offering advice to homeowners on mitigating noise levels at their properties.
Details: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/planning-and-projects/environment/noise
