Long term environmental & transportation noise monitoring in the cities of Veria & Ioannina in northern greece according to the 2002/49/EC directive

Abstract

The requirements resulting from the application of the EU directive 2002/49/EC are very important for each city. For this reason the authorities of Veria & Ioannina in Northern Greece in collaboration with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the University of Thessaly have initiated a Noise Evaluation & Action Plan regarding: 1. for the city of Veria the installation of a long term Noise Monitoring Network (5 stations) in various types of urban environments. The factors that were considered for the location of the Noise Monitoring stations include different uses of the areas and different urban conditions. The locations included a major city road, a city access road with heavy traffic passing through a residential area, a low income residential urban district, a ring road with shops, a shopping area with residences etc. The Noise Monitoring Stations are already in operation for more than 24 months. 2. for the city of Ioannina an extended short term Noise Monitoring Network (4 mobile stations) in various types of urban environments with emphasis in transportation noise including traffic monitoring and urban transportation flows monitoring. The locations included the city center, major urban intersections, residential & educational facilities areas. All noise measurements were taken according to the 2002/49/EC, at 4m height and per hour in order to be able to calculate the Lden indicator. Many conclusions have been drawn from these measurements and relevant noise actions proposals were evaluated. The daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly variations of each district have also been investigated, as well as the influence of important changes in traffic regulations. Besides the Noise Monitoring Campaign a Noise Abatement Awareness Project was also carried out in both cities.