On 18th December 2007, the UK Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) issued maps displaying the level of noise around 18 UK airports.

They provide details of the level of noise at both daytime and night-time at each airport, in addition to the noise level around each airport on an average day during 2006.

Defra carried out the mapping in 2006-2007. Their introduction follows advice issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) in 2005 which asked airport operators to be aware of the EU's Environmental Noise Directive.

The maps form part of Defra's wider programme to produce environmental noise maps for major urban centres and transport infrastructure in the UK, so that the UK falls in line with the Directive.

Maps Will Help Airport Environmental Planning

UK Environment Minister Jonathan Shaw said the maps will help airports monitor noise levels more effectively, and enable them to make more informed decisions about appropriate schemes to reduce noise in their immediate vicinity.

Shaw commented: "Noise is an inescapable fact of modern life but we need to do what we can to manage it. A great deal has already been done to reduce noise from transport and industry but we need to build on and continue this work. These maps are part of that process and will enable us to better understand noise and deal with it".

The DfT's guidance in 2005 stated that airports should consider launching compensation schemes for local residents if the level of noise impact could not be minimised. These measures, the DfT said, could possibly include financial assistance with relocation and voluntary purchase schemes.

Source - Airport International's Aviation Correspondent

Recent Related News:

Report on Heathrow Airport Noise to be Published

DfT Carries Out Heathrow Airport Noise Report