Tallinn's plan to reduce noise pollution and promote sustainable mobility

The City of Tallinn in Estonia is implementing a comprehensive action plan to reduce environmental noise in public spaces, with a focus on sustainable mobility and the 15-minute city concept. This plan aims to ensure that essential services are within easy reach, reducing the need for long car trips. To achieve this, the city will enhance its public transport network, build more pavements, and expand segregated cycling lanes. By law, Tallinn must mitigate noise levels exceeding set limits to ensure a healthy living environment for residents and prevent noise from hindering economic activity.

Persistent traffic noise affects around 10 % of Tallinn's population, with nearly half exposed to excessive noise levels that can harm health. A study by the University of Tartu suggests that reducing average road traffic noise below 50 decibels citywide could prevent numerous health issues, including strokes and ischemic heart disease. The main cause of noise pollution is the increase in car traffic, with noise levels on main roads reaching up to 75 decibels, far exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended maximum of 53 decibels for urban streets. The city government is following scientific research and best practices from Nordic cities to address these issues.

The action plan emphasizes sustainable mobility as the primary solution to noise reduction. This includes:

• Investing in better roads, tram lines and public transport corridors
• Protecting green areas from noise pollution
• Improving sound insulation for noise-sensitive buildings

During a public consultation period, residents raised concerns about general traffic noise as well as excessive noise from motorcycles and street racers. The city plans to address these issues in cooperation with other authorities. New noise measurements and modelling will be completed in 2026 to update the noise map, ensuring that the action plan remains effective in protecting the health of Tallinn residents.

Author: Carla Giaume

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.