Acoustics Standards & Guidance
What is Noise Insulation Regulations (Roads & Railways)?
The Noise Insulation Regulations (Roads & Railways) are UK regulations designed to protect individuals living near new or significantly altered road and railway projects from excessive noise levels. These regulations set out criteria under which residents are entitled to noise insulation measures, such as the installation of double glazing, to reduce the impact of noise from roads or railways.
There are two primary sets of regulations that address road and railway noise separately:
1. The Noise Insulation Regulations 1975 (Amended 1988) – Focused on road traffic noise.
2. The Noise Insulation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations 1996 – Focused on railway noise.
Noise Insulation Regulations 1975 (Roads)
The Noise Insulation Regulations 1975, amended in 1988, apply to new roads or significant changes to existing roads in the UK. These regulations set out the circumstances in which local highway authorities or road developers must provide noise insulation to properties that are significantly affected by road traffic noise.
1. Key Features:
Eligibility for Noise Insulation:
- Residents living close to new roads or existing roads that are being widened or significantly altered may be eligible for noise insulation measures.
- For a property to qualify, the calculated or measured noise level at the building facade must exceed 68 dB LA10, 18h after the new road has been opened, or the road alterations completed.
- The noise must increase by at least 1 dB as a direct result of the new or altered road.
- The property must be within 300 meters of the edge of the road to be considered for insulation.
Noise Insulation Measures – If eligible, noise insulation measures are typically provided at no cost to the property owner. These measures include:
- Double glazing of windows in habitable rooms to reduce the amount of noise entering the property.
- In some cases, acoustic ventilation systems are installed to allow windows to be kept closed while still providing ventilation, maintaining indoor comfort.
Compensation for Noise Impacts:
- If noise insulation measures cannot adequately address the noise problem, residents may be entitled to financial compensation or other forms of mitigation.
2. Application:
The regulations are applied during the planning process of new road schemes or significant modifications to existing roads, with the local authority or highway authority responsible for assessing noise impacts and determining whether insulation is required.
3. Limitations:
These regulations only apply to major projects like new road developments or substantial changes to road layouts (e.g., road widening or bypasses). Routine maintenance or minor roadworks are not covered.
Noise Insulation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations 1996
The Noise Insulation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations 1996 apply to noise from railways, trams, and other guided transport systems (e.g., metro systems). These regulations specify when insulation must be provided for residential properties affected by new or modified rail infrastructure.
1. Key Features:
Eligibility for Noise Insulation:
- These regulations cover residential buildings that are significantly affected by noise from new or altered railway lines.
- The regulations generally apply to properties where the predicted or measured noise level due to the railway exceeds 68 dB LAeq, 0700–2300h (daytime) or 63 dB LAeq, 2300–0700h (night-time).
- Similar to road regulations, the railway noise must be a new or increased noise source resulting from infrastructure changes.
Noise Insulation Measures – Noise insulation measures are generally similar to those provided for road noise:
- Double glazing of windows to reduce noise.
- Acoustic ventilation systems to allow fresh air without needing to open windows.
Railway Alterations:
- The regulations cover new railway lines, significant modifications to existing lines, or projects like increasing the frequency of train services or raising speeds.
- The regulations do not apply to minor changes to railway infrastructure or routine maintenance work.
2. Application:
Noise insulation is assessed and implemented during the planning and environmental assessment stages of new railway projects or substantial modifications to existing lines. The rail infrastructure developer (e.g., Network Rail) or the local authority must provide noise insulation where required.
3. Compensation and Mitigation:
As with roads, if noise insulation is not sufficient or practical, residents may be entitled to compensation or alternative mitigation measures, such as the construction of noise barriers or embankments along the railway line.