Background

The Transport Noise Action Plan (TNAP) 2024 to 2028), sets out a range of, direct and indirect, actions Transport Scotland and partners will take, during the next 4 years, to reduce the impact of transport noise relating to all major roads, all trunk roads, all rail routes, and transport policy.

The overarching objective is to manage noise in a manner consistent with public health protection, environmental quality, and Scotland’s wider transport and place‑making objectives. The plan also supports alignment with the National Transport Strategy and other health and environmental frameworks

The analysis of the Noise Map for Scotland at Scotland's Noise Website enabled the identification within the plan of Candidate Noise Management Areas (to prevent and reduce environmental noise where necessary and in particular where exposure levels can induce harmful effects on human health) and Candidate Quiet Areas (to preserve environmental noise quality where it is good). Noise mapping and the associated Agglomerations Noise Action Plan are required to be produced every five years. This ensures an ongoing cycle of monitoring and evaluation.

Transport Scotland's vision is for a sustainable, inclusive, and accessible transport system helping deliver a healthier, and more prosperous Scotland for communities, businesses, and visitors. Prioritising the management of transport noise is a key component in protecting our environment, improving wellbeing, and developing a sustainable economy.

We will consider all stakeholder feedback to support the effective delivery of the Transport Noise Action Plan. The findings from this consultation, along with ongoing discussions with stakeholders, will inform the future work programme of the TNAP Steering Group.

We will continue to collaborate closely with all relevant partners — including Scotland’s Railway, the Regional Transport Partnerships, SCOTS, the freight industry, Police Scotland, and our wider sustainable‑transport networks and professional groups — to ensure coordinated and effective implementation of the Transport Noise Action Plan 2024.

Transport Scotland have established a TNAP steering group who will oversee the delivery of action under this plan. This group will provide multi-organisational commitment to and delivery of noise management action.