On influencing noise legislation and noise-abatement policy

Policy makers are now convinced that it is essential to find new solutions for the noise problem. In the Netherlands, three studies have already been completed in support of the policy makers. The first study indicates that b y reducing the amount of noise produced at the source, a factor of 10 can b e saved on the costs of noise barriers and wall insulation over the period from 2000 to 2010, which totals about 0.85 billion Euros. The second study, a first attempt of an economic study, indicates that investments in reduct ion at source can have a significant Financial benefit. Finally, the third study shows that a broad overview of the technical potential of the develop ment of quieter trains and tracks is now available. However, it also shows that many challenges will still have to be faced before these source measur es can be implemented on a large scale. (C) 2000 Academic Press.