Jamal Almatawah, Hamad Matar

Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified ambient noise as hazardous pollution that has negative psychological and physiological consequences on human health. Motorized vehicles are a major cause of noise pollution. It is a global phenomenon that has developed to become a major source of concern for the general public and governments alike. The purpose of this research is to look at traffic noise levels during peak and off-peak hours, as well as contributing elements like traffic volume, heavy-vehicle speed, and meteorological parameters like temperature, humidity, and wind speed, in a specific residential neighbourhood in Kuwait. This study focused on three types of roadways: expressways, main arterial routes, and collector streets. Other causes of noise were also investigated. All measurements were taken simultaneously. The findings revealed that traffic noise levels on all the identified types of roads exceeded the permitted limit. The average equivalent noise levels (LAeq) on the expressway, major arterial road, and collector street were 74.2 dB(A), 70.47 dB(A), and 60.84 dB(A), respectively. Furthermore, a positive correlation coefficient was found between traffic noise and traffic volume, as well as traffic noise and the 85th percentile speed. However, there was no significant relationship in metrological parameters. Abnormal vehicle noise caused by inadequate maintenance or user-enhanced exhaust noise was identified as one of the most significant variables influencing total traffic noise measurements.

Keywords: Traffic noise, Kuwait, Noise pollution, Environmental noise.

Date Published: March 3, 2025
DOI: 10.11159/ijci.2025.003

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