The tests of the first anti-noise radar, which are currently in progress, could indeed one day make it possible to challenge the drivers of vehicles exceeding a noise level threshold fixed by regulation. Tested with verbalization only at the end of the experiment in the fall of 2022, it aims above all to reduce incivility.
Fanny Mietlicki, director of the Bruitparif association who participated in the development of the device explains: “What is aimed by this device, it is not to draw up fines against all the cars which pass. The target is uncivil behavior at the wheel or on a motorcycle. This radar is therefore aimed more at drivers who tamper with their vehicles.”
However, it remains to determine the thresholds and tolerances, in particular in relation to the feeling, such as around airports or near railway tracks, and to take account of parasitic noise.
If the noise level not to be exceeded will probably be set at a threshold of 90 decibels, because just beyond the normal noise level of vehicles, it is not uncommon to hear motorcycles that exceed 110 decibels, it is i.e. close to the level that can cause sequelae. However, the sound radars are not unanimous.
“It’s punitive. It’s obvious from the moment we say that instead of doing this experimentation which aims to find out where the sources of socially annoying noise come from, we will start by sanctioning. We are still the opposite of what we recommend at the FFMC, namely the call for intelligence, training, education, before calling for sanction. educates no one”, highlighted Didier Renoux, of the
Reducing noise pollution remains an issue that is gaining in importance over time. This attention paid to noise comes to us first of all from the health crisis, which has enabled many city dwellers to discover the comfort provided by a silent environment, at night for example. More than a quality of life issue, it also falls within the realm of public health.
“I’m obviously for anything that can limit nuisance, with, among other things, the installation of these sound terminals because noise can kill. In a noisy atmosphere, you develop all the symptoms of stress: a racing heart, hypertension, sleep problems, cardiovascular disease – up to heart attack, even stroke.”
Jean-Luc Puel, research director at INSERMat franceinfo
Jean-Luc Puel is also professor of neurosciences in Montpellier.
Only, if this type of regulation focuses on individual excesses, the majority of traffic noise comes from all vehicles. In vehicles, rolling noise often predominates over engine noise, and increases with speed. To act on this point, other solutions can be considered, such as reducing speed, absorbent road surfaces or tire technology, and of course all soft mobility… Solutions that perhaps will soon emerge.
Indeed, the fight against noise pollution has been stepped up since ADEME and the National Noise Council published a report last July, estimating that there would be nearly nine million French people affected by sound levels above the recommended thresholds. The social cost of noise is estimated at 147 billion euros per year in France, of which 66% is due to transport.
And this phenomenon is not only French, it is global: moreover, some countries, such as Japan, are setting up “sound rest areas” in cities!