The Ghent city authorities are announcing 55 measures to reduce noise pollution in the city over the next five years. The city wants fewer noisy tourist boats, more attention to noise reduction at construction projects and more frequent consultations with hospitality industry operators.
Like other cities, Ghent is obliged to draw up a ‘noise plan’ under EU legislation. The plan maps out noise nuisance and identifies the sources that cause a lot of noise.
The city applies various noise limits in its plan. Roughly speaking, these are 55 decibels for ambient noise, 60 decibels for sensitive target groups and 70 decibels for temporary peaks. There are also a few exceptions for special events.
Noisy tourist boats
Efforts will be made to encourage tourist boat operators to use more electric propulsion in future. Guided tours should be conducted with tourists donning headphones and other less noisy methods. ‘If you live or work in the neighbourhood and you hear a guided tour once a day, it may not be so annoying. But it becomes very annoying when it happens more than 30 times a day,’ says alderman Watteeuw.
Some companies are already taking the plunge. ‘75 per cent of our fleet is electric,’ says Robbe Dewaele of tourist boat company “De Bootjes van Gent”. 'The boats no longer have combustion engines, and guides’ microphones are quieter. The loudspeakers are no longer under the passengers' feet, but in the handrails. That's closer to the ear. For that reason too, the volume can be turned down. It's also more pleasant for the passengers.'
‘We want to maintain good relations with local residents and traders. When training new guides, I emphasise the importance of maintaining a constant speed and not stopping in one place for too long. It is also important to respect the quiet zone between the Lievekaai and the Rabot.’
Alderman Sofie Bracke previously announced plans to tackle guided tours with amplified commentary in the city centre. Different systems will have to be used in future. The measure comes after complaints about the nuisance noise caused. The city also wants to tackle music and noise pollution on (rented) pleasure boats. Waterways in the city centre can be exceptionally busy, especially when the weather is fine.