Heard but not seen: a narrative review of traffic noise impacts and the amenity cost awarded to pedestrians

Abstract

Traffic-Induced Noise Pollution (TINP) is increasingly recognised as a major impediment to pedestrian comfort, accessibility, and health in urban environments around the world, making it both a societal and global problem. While sound can be measured objectively, noise is inherently subjective and context-dependent, making it difficult to characterise and regulate using traditional acoustic indicators alone. This narrative review synthesises multidisciplinary knowledge on how TINP influences pedestrian experience, behaviour, and wellbeing, and evaluates the strengths and limitations of historical and contemporary noise measurement and assessment methods. By integrating evidence from acoustic..