Mobile noise barriers are increasingly being used as an effective measure to limit noise pollution during temporary activities. European and national regulations set limits on the permissible noise levels for local residents, employees and the surrounding area.

This page provides an overview of the relevant legislation, regulations and standards that apply to temporary noise measures, such as mobile inflatable noise barriers.

When are noise control measures required?

Noise control measures are required when:

• legal or permit limits are exceeded
• source measures or organisational measures are insufficient
• temporary activities lead to unacceptable noise pollution

In such situations, mobile noise barriers are often considered an appropriate and recognised measure.

European regulations

Environmental Noise Directive – 2002/49/EC

The European Environmental Noise Directive provides the framework for controlling noise pollution within the European Union. This directive obliges Member States to:

• to limit noise pollution in the living environment
• map exposure to environmental noise
• take measures when limit values are exceeded

The directive does not prescribe how noise should be reduced, but forms the basis for national regulations in which temporary noise measures are applied.

Dutch legislation

Environmental Act & Quality of the Living Environment Decree (Bkl)

With the introduction of the Environment Act, clear rules apply to noise during temporary activities.

Key principles:

• Noise should not be unnecessarily disruptive.
• if guideline values are exceeded, effective measures must be taken
• temporary activities (construction, infrastructure, events) are explicitly covered by this legislation

Mobile noise barriers are often considered an effective noise reduction measure in this context.

Decree on Buildings and the Living Environment (Bbl)

For construction and infrastructure projects, the Bbl sets requirements for:

• protection of the environment
• limiting noise pollution during implementation
• compliance with permit conditions

When source reduction is insufficient, temporary noise barriers are regularly prescribed.

Health and Safety Act and Health and Safety Decree

In addition to protecting the environment, there are also requirements for protecting employees from noise.

For temporary works, noise barriers may be required to:

• limit employee exposure
• comply with occupational noise limits

Temporary installations and facilities

For temporary installations such as:

• generators
• pumps
• emergency facilities

Maximum noise levels apply to the facades of sensitive locations, with extra attention paid to evening and night-time periods.

Mobile noise barriers are often explicitly mentioned as a mitigating measure in permits and enforcement procedures.

Events and temporary activities

Noise regulations apply to events, as laid down in:

• event permits
• General Local Regulation (APV)

These regulations usually contain:

• maximum dB(A) and dB(C) values
• additional requirements at low frequencies
• obligation to do everything reasonably possible to limit nuisance

Mobile noise barriers are regularly used as part of the noise management plan.

Standards for measurement and assessment

Acoustic measurements

The acoustic performance of noise barriers is determined using standardised measurement methods.

The following are used for laboratory measurements of airborne sound insulation:

• NEN-EN-ISO 140-3

These standards form the basis for:

• Rw values
• correction terms C and Ctr
• comparison of different screen types

👉 View types and noise reduction

The use of mobile noise barriers is closely linked to legislation and regulations, permit requirements and standards. In many temporary situations, they are a recognised and effective measure for complying with legal requirements.

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👉 View standard types & noise reduction
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