The City of Tallinn has developed an action plan to reduce environmental noise in public spaces. By law, the city must mitigate noise levels exceeding set limits to ensure a healthy living environment for residents while also preventing noise from hindering economic activity.
Constant traffic noise has a significant impact on residents’ health. In Tallinn, around 10% of the population suffers from persistent traffic noise, and nearly half are exposed to excessive noise levels. According to a study by the University of Tartu, reducing average road traffic noise below 50 decibels (dB) citywide could prevent 140 stroke cases and 130 cases of ischemic heart disease annually.
The main cause of noise pollution is increasing car traffic. Tallinn’s noise map data shows that main roads reach noise levels of up to 75 dB, while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum of 53 dB for urban streets. For comparison, 60–65 dB is equivalent to the sound of a vacuum cleaner or hairdryer.
“Noise pollution significantly affects people’s health, as confirmed by researchers from the University of Tartu, the Estonian Health Board, architects, and entrepreneurs. Additionally, traffic noise in Tallinn hinders business activities. Apartment prices in Tallinn remain high because new residential buildings are not being developed at the necessary rate, as high traffic noise levels prevent the issuance of building permits,” said Tallinn Deputy Mayor Pärtel-Peeter Pere. “Due to traffic noise, some construction permits have been denied in the city center, young children cannot sleep outdoors near their homes, and residents are disturbed by the sound of accelerating motorcycles and cars. The city government is following scientific research and best practices from Nordic cities to address these issues.”
The action plan highlights that the primary solution to noise reduction is promoting sustainable mobility—improving public transport, cycling, and pedestrian infrastructure. The city is investing in better roads, tram lines, and public transport corridors while also protecting green areas from noise pollution and improving sound insulation for noise-sensitive buildings.
During the public consultation period from December 9–22, 2024, nearly 70 suggestions were submitted. Many residents raised concerns not only about general traffic noise but also about excessive noise from motorcycles and street racers. The city plans to address this issue in cooperation with other authorities, as it is unacceptable for a small group to disturb thousands of residents.
“The noise action plan is based on Tallinn’s 2022 strategic noise map, which in turn is derived from 2019 data. As noise levels have improved in some areas and worsened in others, this necessitates updating the noise map and refining solutions to reduce disturbances. Additionally, Tallinn plans to test innovative noise barriers designed for urban spaces,” said Meelis Uustal, Head of the Environmental Management Department at the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department.
To reduce noise pollution, the city will strengthen its public transport network, build more sidewalks, and expand segregated cycling lanes. Urban planning follows the 15-minute city concept, ensuring that essential services are within easy reach, reducing the need for long car trips.
New noise measurements and modeling, commissioned by the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department, will be completed in 2026 to update the noise map. The current noise map was published in 2022, and the action plan will be implemented by the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department.
Background information: The goal of the noise reduction action plan is to protect the health of Tallinn residents. By law, the city must create a noise map and implement regulatory measures to mitigate noise pollution. As the operator of public roads, the city is responsible for ensuring that traffic noise does not exceed permissible levels. Strategic noise maps and noise reduction action plans are required in all European Union cities with a population of at least 100,000.
Source: tallinn.ee