Zero Emission of air pollutants at the local level is often the main positive aspect considered when the case for electrification of urban freight traffic is made. The additional advantage of less noise production is often mentioned, but seldom quantified. To investigate this, a spatial analysis has been made for a part of the inner city of Rotterdam, as part of Rotterdam’s involvement in the FREVUE project. It strongly suggests that the effect is significant. This enhances the case for urban freight traffic electrification as a means to promote urban public health and liveability of city centres.
The analysis shows that a total of 2770 dwellings (6371 inhabitants) would benefit from a noise reduction of 0,5 to 1 dB. For 317 houses (729 inhabitants) and 11 buildings the reduction level would be 1 to 2 dB. A separate analysis for intersections with traffic lights (more noisy) has been made and shows that, for the 9 intersections of urban roads with traffic lights under scrutiny, 399 dwellings (918 inhabitants) would benefit from an additional noise reduction of 0,5 to 1 dB. For 80 dwellings (194 inhabitants) within the intersection’s sphere of influence the additional noise level reduction would be 1 to 1,5 dB.
Read the complete study here.