What is a noise action plan?
A noise action plan is an instrument for noise reduction that is developed by cities and municipalities as an overall urban concept. It aims to prevent, avoid or reduce harmful effects, including nuisance, caused by environmental noise. In addition, quiet areas are to be protected from an increase in noise. Appropriate measures are developed in the noise action plan on the basis of the findings from noise mapping.
Noise action planning in Bonn
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the cities and municipalities are responsible for noise action planning. In 2011, the city of Bonn therefore drew up its first noise action plan (Noise Action Plan Round 1). Noise action planning is currently in its fourth round.
On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Bonn City Council decided to update the noise action plan. The fourth stage noise action plan shows how the noise situation has developed and what measures are planned to improve the situation for those affected. The council will later decide in detail on the financing and implementation of individual measures within the city's area of responsibility. The administration will implement the plan within its financial and technical capabilities.
The noise mapping of the fourth stage continues to show a high level of noise pollution, particularly from road, light rail and streetcar traffic. Initial successes in noise reduction are becoming clear, resulting from the implementation of measures from the previous stages of noise action planning and the significant reduction in rail noise through the retrofitting of freight wagons. At the same time, the need to reduce environmental noise in the City of Bonn remains high. The fourth stage of Bonn's LAP focuses on the main hot spots and prioritizes action strategies and recommended measures for these areas.
The people of Bonn were also able to get involved in this fourth round in various ways, for example online on the platform www.bonn-macht-mit.de (opens in a new tab).
With over 250 responses, the first stage of the public participation process saw a high level of participation. As part of the second stage of the participation process, the noise action plan was coordinated with the public and public agencies. A total of around 150 responses were received.
In accordance with Section 47d (5) BImSchG, the noise action plan will be reviewed in the event of significant developments in the noise situation, but otherwise after five years and revised if necessary.
Noise action planning round 3
Noise action planning - rounds 1 and 2
What can everyone do?
When it comes to noise, we are all affected and cause it at the same time. That is why each and every one of us can actively avoid noise ourselves and thus reduce noise pollution for our fellow human beings. Considerate, anticipatory driving reduces road traffic noise, as does the use of a quieter vehicle and quieter tires. Or leave your car at home, take the bus or train, walk short distances or cycle. In this way, you too can help to reduce environmental noise.
Where can I find more information?
- NRW environmental noise portal (opens in a new tab)
- Better living with less noise - information and tips for effective noise protection (opens in a new tab)
- "Noise - the underestimated risk" - Publication of the Federal Environment Agency (opens in a new tab)
- Noise protection - Information from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport (opens in a new tab)
- Noise and vibrations - Information from the Baden-Württemberg State Institute for the Environment (opens in a new tab)