NZTA Research Report 748 Assessment of loud vehicle, speed change and nuisance noise from road transport
Where presented / published:
NZTA website, Research report , July 2026
Traffic noise is a growing environmental and public health concern, but what causes the loud, isolated noise events that generate the most community complaints? Commissioned by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, this research investigated the factors contributing to individual vehicle noise events and the influence of road features such as profiled line markings, speed platforms, roundabouts, intersections, and sharp corners.
Drawing on a comprehensive literature review, field measurements, and analysis of traffic behaviour, the study found only very weak statistical relationships between vehicle speed and acceleration patterns and the occurrence of these noise events, highlighting the complexity of the issue and the challenges associated with predicting and mitigating them.
ViaStrada was proud to be part of the multidisciplinary team, alongside Altissimo Consulting and Tonkin & Taylor, delivering this research between 2021 and 2024. ViaStrada contributed its transport engineering expertise to the investigation of road design and traffic behaviour factors, helping inform evidence-based recommendations for future modelling and mitigation approaches.
