PLANNING AGNAINST NOISE IN HONG KONG

The impacts of road traffic noise in Hong Kong are pervasive. About one million peoople are affected by road traffic noise at levels higher than a standardd recommended fro planning of new developments. The Environmental Protection Department of Hong Kong has promulgated a set of planning standards and guidelines for reference of planners, engineers and architects in their preparation of land use proposals which include road and residential developments. This paper will describe, in connection with road traffic noise in Hong Kong, the planning objectives, the various practicable mitigation measures available to a high density modern city, and the achievements through conscientious planning efforts made over the past years.