Civic Exchange
16/F, Cheung Kong Center,
2, Queen\u2019 s Road Central, Central

Noise has been linked to numerous health effects, particularly effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems. Noisy environments can adversely affect language acquisition and reading development in children, and affect development in utero. Noise is also linked to a deteriorating quality of life, by interfering with speech, by accelerating and intensifying the development of negative social behaviours such as neurosis and irritability, as well as interfering with attention and consequently performance and productivity.

Noise pollution is projected to get increasingly worse over the next two decades. Over one million people are already affected by severe levels of traffic noise, and this number is expected to increase, particularly in the New Territories, by about 50%.

Transport, especially road traffic, is one of the biggest sources of noise problems and accounts for the greatest increase in projected noise levels. Programmes to mitigate noise levels affecting the surrounding community are only partially effective and insufficient. The School Insulation Programme relies too heavily on air-conditioners to white-out noise, even though they may remain unused for most of the school year. The Road Resurfacing Programme has affected only a tiny percentage of the total length of roads in Hong Kong. Any reductions in noise emissions resulting from improved design of vehicles is expected to be offset by the increase in vehicular traffic. The rapid growth in heavy goods vehicles in particular accounts for much of the rising trend in noise levels. Transport Department lacks an effective strategy to deal with the projected increase in noise levels from increasing traffic. There is a lack of public participation in the planning of major transport infrastructure in Hong Kong.

Despite the numerous abatement programmes being implemented throughout Hong Kong's rail networks, rail traffic noise is expected to increase with the development of the West Rail. Better land planning has helped to deal with air traffic noise affecting the surrounding communities of Chek Lap Kok, although further noise restrictions must be enforced. Marine traffic noise is an area completely neglected by the government.

Construction noise remains one of the biggest sources of noise pollution complaints, yet some companies continue violating government policy measures to curb those affected. New legislation is proposed to make company owners personally liable. There are still no controls on construction noise during the daytime.

More energy-efficient buildings are being designed by 'green' architects, that are not only healthier but also quieter; however, Hong Kong has yet to benefit from their creativity and innovation. Domestic noise remains one of the main causes of noise complaints, and legislation is being considered to deal with this problem. Noise from leisure activities has also yet to be addressed.