Brussels, Belgium – Although noise limits have become increasingly stringent over the years, no corresponding reduction in noise levels in urban areas has been observed. Therefore, European noise policy has been revised to focus on noise perception, to avoid the harmful effects of noise exposure from all sources, and to preserve quiet areas.

Over the last three years, SILENCE, a research project co-funded by the European Commission, developed an integrated methodology for the improved control of surface transport noise in urban areas. SILENCE provides relevant and world-leading technologies for the efficient control of surface transport noise, innovative strategies for action plans on urban transport noise abatement, and practical tools for their implementation. Now that the project is approaching its conclusion, all results become available.

Final Training Conference

The SILENCE final training conference aims to inform a range of stakeholders of the potential of the different noise abatement measures that have been studied and tested in the project. The conference will adopt a very interactive approach, allowing for ample discussion and exchange between the SILENCE partners and the participants, and showing in a very concrete manner how to apply and integrate the noise abatement measures that have been developed. An extensive SILENCE exhibition will further illustrate these measures and the different areas covered in the project, and will form an integral part of the training sessions on the second day. Future challenges and research needs on transport noise abatement will also be discussed. Finally, the unique location of the event, the premises of the German Federal Highway Research Institute BASt, will offer the opportunity to actually experience the noise reduction potential of some measures through the large-scale interior drum testing facility that was recently established at BASt.

Who should attend?
Public authorities, (public) transport operators, consultants, manufacturers/industry, engineers, railway operators, road operators, and any other stakeholders dealing with urban transport noise abatement!

The full programme and Registration Form are available at www.silence-ip.org

Where & When

German Federal Highway Research Institute BASt

Brüderstrasse 53

D-51427 Bergisch Gladbach (Cologne)

28-29 May 2008

Participation in the conference is free of charge, places are however limited, so you are encouraged to register as soon as possible.