The maps measure ambient noise, that is, noise from major roads, railways and airports. However, decibel levels from noisy neighbours are not included in the new maps.

The maps are currently only available for areas with a population over 250,000.

To access the noise maps on the Defra website visitors simply enter their postcode. The maps, which look like weather charts, show areas that are relatively louder or quieter.

John Stewart, from the UK Noise Association, said that the new maps do "give a fair bit of information" but he called on the government to produce practical plans under a national strategy to tackle noise problems in the UK.

Mr Stewart said that complaints about noise regularly top councils' list of complaints every year.

The maps, which have been promised by the government for several years, come just ahead of Noise Action week in the UK which runs from the 19-23 May.

http://noisemapping.defra.gov.uk
www.noiseactionweek.org.uk

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