Environmental Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006 - proposed amendment: partial business and regulatory impact assessment

Section 1: Background, aims and options

Background to policy issue

The aim of the Environmental Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006^[1] (“the 2006 Regulations”) is to avoid, prevent or reduce on a prioritised basis the harmful effects, including annoyance, due to exposure to environmental noise. This involves:

• informing the public about environmental noise and its effects;
• the preparation of strategic noise maps for: large urban areas (referred to as 'agglomerations'), major roads, major railways and major airports; and
• preparing action plans based on the results of the noise mapping exercise. Actions plans will aim to manage and reduce environmental noise and preserve environmental noise quality where it is good.

The strategic noise map for Scotland models the theoretical noise values across Scotland from all road and rail, and industry. The associated noise action plans for road, rail, agglomerations and major airports are developed based on this map.

The key stakeholders in the development of the noise maps and associated noise action plans are Transport Scotland (responsible authority for road and rail), the Local Authorities (who lead mitigation in agglomerations) and Airport Operators (responsible authority for airports).

Purpose/ aim of action and desired effect

A consultation will be held to consider extending the interval for preparation of strategic noise maps and thereafter noise action plans for agglomerations, airports and transport, based on the results of the noise mapping, from five years to ten years.

The proposal to amend the 2006 Regulations by extending the interval between the production of strategic noise maps, and associated noise action plans, would enable more engagement with stakeholders on the validation of Noise Management Areas (NMAs) and enhance the delivery of associated actions. This partial BRIA starts to consider the proposal and the potential effects on businesses.

To date there have been four rounds of strategic noise maps and associated noise action plans. The strategic noise maps have been produced by the Scottish Government. The noise action plans have been produced by the Scottish Government / local authorities (agglomerations), Transport Scotland (Transport), and the operators of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow airports.

Options (considered so far/ still open)

The consultation seeks views extending the current statutory requirement from five years to ten years for the preparation of strategic noise maps and thereafter noise action plans for agglomerations, airports and transport, based on the results of the noise mapping.

This partial BRIA considers the difference between:

• Option 1: the status quo (namely the production of strategic noise maps and associated noise action plans on a five year basis) and
• Option 2: the proposal to extent the statutory requirement to ten years.

The five and ten year timing (as stated in options 1 and 2) for the round 5 strategic maps and associated noise action plans will start from the round 4 dates.

Sectors/ Groups affected

The development of noise maps and associated action plans brings together Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, transport operating companies, local authorities and airport operators. These sectors are directly affected by the proposed changes. It is not anticipated that these changes would impact commercial enterprises, not for profit organisations and third sector organisations.

Option 1 as business as usual would not create any difference to the current publication five year requirement. However, Option 2 would reduce the administrative costs from Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh Airports associated with the data gathering, consultation and review requirements to generate and publish noise action plans for the three airports.

In addition, neither Option 1 nor Option 2 will require businesses to alter their processes or workflows, establish new rules or standards to be met, submit any new types of information or reports, or require additional training.