Monetary Evaluation of Nuisance from Road-Traffic Noise: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

In the course of a large-scale survey of noise nuisance due to road traffic, carried out in the Greater London area and already extensively reported, respondents were invited to evaluate the worth of peace and quiet in monetary terms. The data was submitted to multiple regression analysis and estimates related to noise level and traffic composition were obtained. It was found that at lower levels of nuisance, household income and related variables were major determinants of monetary estimates and played a greater part than noise or traffic variables. The results appear to be comparable with estimates derived by economists from the study of depreciation of house prices as a consequence of noise. The general significance of the findings is discussed and suggestions for further study are made.