There is a constant stream of ideas for novel noise abatement techniques such as new screen top devices, noise absorbing ditches, resonators under the pavement, screens with acoustic crystals, and new pavement types or construction techniques etc. Some ideas are promising and deserve further investigation whilst other ideas do not pass a single critical scientific assessment (like “active” noise barriers). The DISTANCE consortium proposes to make a comprehensive review of these new concepts/ideas/technologies and to submit each of them to an independent and critical assessment. The DISTANCE project will help NRAs to avoid the use of technologies which have been proven not to work, despite some of these ideas being repeatedly investigated (e.g. Helmholtz resonators under a porous pavement).

One way of reducing noise nuisance is to make use of the psychological aspects related to it. Research has been done and presented in this field, but very little has been done in practice with this knowledge. The DISTANCE consortium proposes to carry out a literature review about this subject and distil measures which can be used by NRAs, not to reduce the noise level but to reduce nuisance, which would equally be very valuable. The work will also use this information and other sources to develop concepts for how public awareness, understanding and acceptance of noise mitigation measures can be improved.

A broad dissemination effort is proposed, including the set-up of a dedicated website and the organization of a workshop at the end of the project. The drafting of a non-technical policy brief will ensure that the findings can be readily understood by important target groups who are not necessarily skilled in acoustics, such as politicians and high-level policy makers.