Noise terror in Meinerzhagen: residents demand immediate measures!

Noise terror in Meinerzhagen: residents demand immediate measures!

In Meinerzhagen, the residents of Marienheider Straße (L306) complain about unbearable noise pollution caused by the high traffic and an unfavorable traffic situation. The 89-year-old Marlies Albus belongs to those affected and feels left alone with their concerns. For years she has been fighting to finally find hearing, but so far every request for support has remained fruitless. "It has become unbearable," says Albus and particularly describes the noise of empty trucks about sewer covers that rob their sleep and calm.

The problem is not new, because the L306 was heavily frequented before the A45 motorway was blocked. Since this additional burden, an even greater pressure on the traffic routing has been burdening, and the blocking of the Volmebrücke in Kierspe in May has not improved the situation. Local residents reported measured noise values ​​of up to 90 dB (A) by trucks and around 70 dB (A) behind the house walls, also at night. The traffic count resulted in alarming numbers: Over 23,000 cars and 1,444 trucks pass a lane page every day.

The load from traffic noises

road traffic noise is the dominant noise source in Germany. It is estimated that about 75 % of the population is disturbed by this noise, which impressively shows how widespread the problem is. According to a survey on “Environmental Awareness in Germany 2020”, around 2.3 million people feel exposed to 65 dB (A) all day. At night, about 2.6 million suffer from values ​​over 55 dB (A). Here too in Meinerzhagen the values ​​are clearly too high and exceed the Who> and Environmental Bundesamt Recommended target values: The minimum goal of 65/55 dB (a) for day and night is regularly exceeded.

The residents therefore require higher efforts in relation to noise protection measures. In particular, in favor of compliance with the speed limit of 50 km/h, especially at night. The Lars Schade from the Federal Environment Agency points out that similar noise situations occur throughout Germany, but many citizens have no right to immediate measures. You can only insist on careful noise measurements. Many find the measurements of the district police authority inadequate and demand more commitment from the city to their concerns.

potential solutions and necessary measures

How should things go in Meinerzhagen? According to the recommendations of the Environmental Federal Agency , technical improvements to vehicles as well as noise -reducing road surfaces and speed reductions should be discussed. For example, speed limits could reduce the noise level by two to three dB (A), which would already be a significant improvement. The use of soundproofing walls could also help prevent the spread of noise.

Another important concern is the noise rehabilitation of existing roads, which, however, is not clearly regulated by law. The federal government is required here, which provides around 65 million euros a year for such measures on federal highways. In view of the effects that are restricted to health and life and life that persistent noise, it is imperative that the local authorities will finally become active.