Residents who live near parts of the M20 motorway in Kent are subjected to noise levels similar to those from nightclubs, a report has suggested. An environmental health officer from Maidstone council monitored the noise between junctions eight and nine from Hollingbourne down to Ashford.
The readings showed levels which would usually result in planning applications for new homes being rejected.
Noise reduction work is already under way between junctions four and five.
The Highways Agency is installing an environmental noise barrier along 2km (1.25 miles) of the M20's coast bound carriageway near Aylesford.
Maidstone council's Steve Wilcock took readings further along the motorway on the Fairbourne Lane bridge at Harrietsham.
He described the figures as "startling".
The morning rush-hour showed a maximum peak of 94 decibels (dB), with an average background noise level during daytime of 79dB.
Mr Wilcock said anything above 72dB would normally prohibit any new house building taking place in the immediate vicinity.
A Maidstone council report in 2003 suggested 26 ways of dealing with noise pollution, but the levels at Fairbourne Lane have actually increased in the three years since.
Source
The readings showed levels which would usually result in planning applications for new homes being rejected.
Noise reduction work is already under way between junctions four and five.
The Highways Agency is installing an environmental noise barrier along 2km (1.25 miles) of the M20's coast bound carriageway near Aylesford.
Maidstone council's Steve Wilcock took readings further along the motorway on the Fairbourne Lane bridge at Harrietsham.
He described the figures as "startling".
The morning rush-hour showed a maximum peak of 94 decibels (dB), with an average background noise level during daytime of 79dB.
Mr Wilcock said anything above 72dB would normally prohibit any new house building taking place in the immediate vicinity.
A Maidstone council report in 2003 suggested 26 ways of dealing with noise pollution, but the levels at Fairbourne Lane have actually increased in the three years since.
Source
