Urban Traffic Noise in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Perceptions and Attitudes

Abstract

In a comprehensive two‐year research project, traffic noise was monitored at 42 locations in 13 districts in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 2,095 individual heads of household were interviewed at the noise monitoring sites for their perceptions and attitudes toward urban traffic noise. The socioeconomic characteristics of the sample population were identified, and the perceived impact of noise on their welfare and health was determined. The maximum mean district equivalent noise levels by road type are presented. While a significant number of individuals were aware of the interference of traffic noise with their daily activities, only a few pointed to the long‐range impact of noise on hearing damage. The degree of awareness of the health impact of traffic noise increased with an increase in the respondents' income and level of education. The extent and degree of annoyance with traffic noise varied with the change in the functional classification of urban roadway. People living and working along major arterials and freeways were considerably more annoyed than those residing along local or collector streets.