5.2c Quieter Environment

The EPD’s priority in noise pollution control is to minimise the nuisance from traffic, construction and commercial and industrial noise. Emphasis is also given to raising awareness of the community’s understanding of noise issues.

Traffic Noise

To control traffic noise, the EPD is doing three things: giving input at the planning stage of new roads and noise sensitive developments, introducing measures to reduce noise on existing roads, and controlling noise at source from new vehicles.

Planning Against Noise
The EPD intervenes early in the planning process to ensure new roads do not lead to new noise pollution problems, for example by advising on the best alignment of new roads and the lay-outs of new towns. When new roads are likely to affect receivers, the department also advises on the fitting of noise barriers, enclosures and low-noise surfaces on the roads. Between 1986 and 2003, various land-use measures and suitable road re-alignments were adopted, and about 38 kilometres of noise barriers and enclosures were erected along new roads protecting more than 170 000 dwellings. In addition, the use of low-noise surface material has become the standard for new highways with speed limits of 70 kilometres per hour or above. Where these solutions are not feasible or insufficient to protect existing noise sensitive developments, acoustic insulation and air-conditioners are provided as a last resort. Since 1995, about 7 100 flats have been protected in this way.

Photo of Accumulated Number of Dwellings Insulated in 2003.

Photo of Screening Structure to Reduce Traffic Noise.

Reducing Noise on Existing Roads
Many existing roads are plagued by excessive traffic noise. The EPD has identified over 30 road sections that are suitable for noise barriers or enclosures and 72 road sections that are suitable for low-noise surfaces.

On barriers and enclosures, a tentative 10-year programme got underway in 2003 in the New Territories. Concern was expressed over the proposed barrier on Yuen Shin Road. Some residents and drivers considered the proposed barrier to be unattractive and unnecessary, while other residents wanted barriers built closer to their homes. The concerned District Council suggested low-noise surfacing be tried out first and that the situation be reviewed afterwards. The government has accepted this suggestion. Meanwhile, the EPD also co-organised an international seminar in December on the functions and aesthetics of noise barriers.

Low-noise surfaces began to be applied in 2002 to the first batch of 24 roads identified as suitable for the surface, and this work continued in 2003. Work on the next batch of roads will start in 2004.

Traffic management measures are on hold, due to strong opposition from the transport trade. The trade objected to having some roads closed to heavy traffic and shifting traffic from one road to another. There is currently no other solution for the 550 noisy roads that are not suitable for barriers, enclosures or low-noise surfaces.

Vehicle Noise Regulations
In 2002, the government introduced new regulations that adopt the latest noise emission standards from Europe and Japan. Most of Hong Kong’s vehicles are from these countries and the EPD will continue to monitor developments and upgrade our standards as required to meet those adopted in these countries.

Construction Noise

Construction work is noisy and typically a source of many noise complaints. In recent years, the EPD has developed a partnership with the trade to address the problem (see 5.4 Building Partnerships for details).

Since mid-2002, all noise permits issued have been put on the EPD website. The public can find out whether a builder has a permit, while builders can see if any concurrent permit has been issued near their site that would necessitate an adjustment to their work schedule. Builders can now use the self-assessment tools on the website to find out the likely noise impact from their equipment and to retrieve other information for noise permit applications. Meanwhile, the EPD has agreed to shorten the time it takes to issue a noise permit from 23 days to 14 days, provided applications are in good order.

The Noise Control Ordinance was amended in 2002 to make company directors liable for noise offences. The amendment has not been enforced pending the issuing of a Code of Practice. A draft Code was formulated and presented to the Legislative Council in 2003 and the department was asked to further consult the affected trades. The government will report back to the Legislative Council on the draft Code upon completion of the consultation exercise.

Noise in Hong Kong

A study on noise in Hong Kong is being undertaken by the EPD. The first phase is to take stock of typical noise situations in Hong Kong at residential premises and social venues. The contract was awarded in late 2003. The study will also look at the effectiveness of mitigation measures to reduce traffic noise and provide information for future noise programmes and policies.

Raising Awareness

A user-friendly education package on environmental noise was launched in 2003. The package encompasses a CD-ROM and website and has two sections, one for the general public and one for youth. The website is up and running and the CD-ROM will be distributed in 2004.

The EPD is also working with the Highways Department to promote better understanding of each other’s work, through staff exchange. A six-month trial began in October 2003.

Photo of People can learn about noise, its control and mitigation measures from the EPD's noise education website.