Brussels Environment and Brussels Environment Minister Alain Maron on Tuesday presented one of the two first prototype noise radars in the Brussels region, in the commune of Schaerbeek. The radars will measure vehicle noise in the area.
Noise pollution impacts 70% of Brussels residents, with health experts even saying that it knocks eight months off of Brussels' life expectancy. Loud noise can also have other negative effects such as stress, sleep disturbance, heart problems and aggressive behaviour. It is due to these reasons that Brussels has much stricter laws about noise pollution than other parts of Belgium.
Two prototype noise radars will be tested, one in Schaerbeek on Avenue Louis Bertrand and another which will be on a regional road in the next few months. The radars are manufactured by MicroDB, a French company specialising in this field.
When noise becomes pollution
The radar is placed on a pole and is attached to a bar with 58 microphones which measure the noise of passing vehicles. It is even possible to measure the type of vehicle and the estimated speed at which it is driving. The data will be collected by the regional organisation and the level of noise per vehicle will be evaluated.
"We are taking measures to ensure a healthy environment for the people of Brussels", explained Maron, who insists on noise pollution and its consequences on health.
"We have a priority to act in favour of better health", Maron continued. "There is an accepted noise that comes from living in the city. But there is also noise that can be described as excessive and, therefore, noise pollution."
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"The aim of the campaign is primarily scientific," noise specialist at Brussels Environment, Catherine Lecointre, explained.
The installation and rental of these two prototypes will cost a total of €60,000. Maron said that a decree would also be issued to regulate the noise of sirens, which is one of the three biggest noise nuisances, according to a Brussels study.
