A noise prevention plan is being worked on in Lahti - almost a quarter of the residents are exposed to road traffic noise

The action plan for noise control is to be completed by the summer of 2024.

Exterior view. A taxi drives on the street, restaurant terrace along the street, commercial buildings, people on the terrace. Photo from Aleksanterinkau in Lahti. — Like many other cities, road traffic is the most common cause of noise in Lahti. Stock photo.

Last year’s noise levels in Lahti have been investigated. The purpose is to find ways to reduce environmental noise and exposure to it.

The survey was carried out for roads, streets, railways and industrial facilities, such as the Kymijärvi power plant. Lahti residents are most exposed to noise from road traffic.

Out of the city’s 120,000 inhabitants, 26,800, or 22.3 percent, are exposed to road traffic noise with an average daytime sound level of more than 55 decibels. During the day, only 1,000 residents are exposed to the noise caused by rail traffic.

The city of Lahti will draw up a noise prevention action plan by July 2024.

The reports will also be taken to the meetings of the Lahti Urban Environment and Building and Environmental Permit Board during the current fall.