The Environmental Protection Department has proposed a comprehensive action plan to tackle traffic noise.

Despite the Government's efforts to curb the problem, about 1.1 million people are still exposed to high levels of traffic noise exceeding 70 decibels.

The Department has now formulated a draft plan proposing enhanced measures, such as:

* extending the trial of low noise road surfacing materials;

* exploring new design of low noise road surfacing materials for wider application;

* exploring optimum barrier design for wider application;

* studying the feasibility of controlling noise emission from in-use vehicles;

* reviewing the Professional Practice Note on Road Traffic Noise;

* promoting the disclosure of noise information in sales brochures;

* improving joints at flyovers;

* exploring night-time traffic noise standards; and,

* promoting public engagement and partnership.

Proposals backed

The Advisory Council on the Environment and the Legislative Council's Environmental Affairs Panel were consulted in May and July and back the measures.

District Councils, the transport trade, academia, developers, green groups and the general public will be consulted later.

Details of the plan can be downloaded from the department's website. The public can submit views by emailing trafficnoise@epd.gov.hk or faxing 2802 4511. They can also attend a seminar on September 9 at the Civil Service Training & Development Institute in the North Point Government Offices. Advance bookings can be made on 2835 1281 or 2835 1525.