Noise regulation in the Maltese islands

Abstract

In our days, it is hard to find, even in rural areas, a place where the only sounds are those produced by nature. Noise is an invisible but insidious form of pollution. It is undoubtedly psychologically and physiologically harmful. Noise can cause hearing impairment, interfere with communication, disturb sleep, cause cardiovascular and psycho-physiological effects, reduce performance, provoke annoyance responses and changes in social behaviour. We are exposed to noise before birth and throughout life and it is a problem that affects everybody. The major sources of noise are road traffic, air traffic, rail traffic, industry and recreational activity. Noise is very predominant in the Maltese Islands; why is this the case? Could this be due to our boisterous character or there is more to it? What we definitely know is that noise was never regulated properly in our islands. Lack of adequate planning and a fragmented legislation have turned our islands into very chaotic and raucous places. Since the Government of the Maltese Islands applied for full membership within the European Union, it seems that things started to change. But will EU regulation solve our problems; is EU legislation indispensable for the Maltese Islands? Even though noise can have deleterious effects, it seems that generally speaking· the Maltese population is not that perturbed by noise, why is this so? These are some of the questions this dissertation attempts to answer. This study also reviews existing national laws, mitigation practices and the economic value of peace and quiet.