Slow Down the Noise – An Educational Campaign

Autostrada Wielkopolska has launched a new educational campaign entitled “Slow Down the Noise”. Its aim is to raise drivers’ awareness of road traffic noise, its main sources and effective ways to reduce it. Through this initiative, Autostrada Wielkopolska highlights how everyday driving decisions influence quality of life and contribute to environmental noise pollution.

The “Slow Down the Noise” campaign is primarily addressed to drivers. Its goal is to explain what generates traffic noise and how it can be limited. According to the report Environmental Noise in Europe 2025, more than 20% of Europeans are exposed to excessive noise levels caused by road, rail and air traffic. Road traffic remains the most widespread source of transport noise both in Europe and in Poland, making its reduction one of today’s key environmental challenges.

We all want efficient transport, a well developed road network and easy access to high speed roads. Unfortunately, increased traffic often means higher noise emissions. With this campaign, we want to show that noise levels can be effectively reduced – both through appropriate infrastructure and responsible driving behaviour, says Anna Ciamciak, Spokesperson for Autostrada Wielkopolska.

Slow Down the Noise

Each of us can contribute to making travel quieter and more environmentally friendly. Choosing a smooth driving style, respecting speed limits and taking care of vehicle condition all make a real difference. Together, we can reduce road noise and improve the quality of life for nearby residents.
The level of traffic noise is influenced by:

• the number of vehicles and their technical condition,
• drivers’ behaviour and driving style,
• road type and the quality of road infrastructure.

Vehicles

The amount of noise generated by a vehicle depends on several key factors:

• the engine (condition of the powertrain and components),
• tyres (type and correct tyre pressure),
• aerodynamics, i.e. air resistance caused by the vehicle body.

A vehicle in good technical condition—properly functioning engine, cooling fan, exhaust system and transmission—means quieter driving. Choosing low noise tyres and regularly checking tyre pressure is equally important. Underinflated tyres have a larger contact area with the road surface, which increases noise levels.

At higher speeds, aerodynamic noise caused by air resistance becomes increasingly dominant.

How you can reduce vehicle noise:
✅ Maintain your vehicle properly – a well serviced engine, exhaust system and transmission mean less noise and greater safety.
✅ Choose low noise tyres and check tyre pressure regularly – a pressure drop of 0.5 bar can increase noise levels by 1–3 dB.
✅ Avoid unnecessary vehicle load – heavier vehicles generate more noise and consume more fuel.
✅ Consider electric vehicles – EVs are significantly quieter than combustion engine cars. On the concession section of the A2 motorway, EV chargers are available at all service areas (MOPs), allowing you to plan quieter and more sustainable journeys.

Driving Style

Sudden braking, rapid acceleration and excessive speed significantly increase noise emissions. That is why drivers’ behaviour plays a crucial role in reducing road noise. Smooth, calm driving, anticipating manoeuvres and performing them gradually help lower noise levels while also improving safety for all road users.

Good driving habits:

✅ Drive smoothly and calmly – avoid abrupt acceleration and braking, which increase both noise and fuel consumption.
✅ Reduce speed by 10 km/h – depending on vehicle type and speed, this can lower noise emissions by 1–1.3 dB. This difference is noticeable both for nearby residents and for drivers themselves, making journeys quieter and safer.

Road Type and Infrastructure

Roads with frequent intersections and traffic lights generate additional noise due to repeated braking and acceleration. Motorways do not have such features; however, higher speed limits can result in higher noise levels.

One of the most effective ways to reduce road noise is to introduce lower speed limits.

In many European countries, speed limits on high traffic routes such as urban ring roads have been reduced to help decrease noise. For example, lowering the speed limit on the Paris ring road from 80 km/h to 50 km/h resulted in noise reductions of approximately 2–3 dB on monitored sections.

On the motorway ring road around Poznań, between the Poznań Zachód and Poznań Krzesiny interchanges, a speed limit of 120 km/h has been in place for several years. Section speed control has also been introduced on parts of this stretch, improving traffic flow and encouraging lower speeds. These measures enhance road safety and support effective noise reduction.

Road surface condition matters

Uneven surfaces, ruts and damage increase the noise generated by vehicle traffic. On the concession section of the A2 motorway, Autostrada Wielkopolska continuously monitors pavement condition and plans maintenance works in advance based on detailed assessments.
When constructing new lanes—such as during the addition of the third lane in 2025—or replacing existing surfaces, Autostrada Wielkopolska uses HiMA highly modified asphalt for the wearing course. This material offers greater durability, resistance to weather conditions and heavy traffic loads, while supporting lower noise emissions.

Supporting Electromobility

As part of its commitment to sustainable development, Autostrada Wielkopolska provides EV charging stations at all service areas along the concession section of the A2 motorway between Świecko and Konin. This ensures that drivers of increasingly popular electric vehicles—quieter than traditional combustion cars—can travel with confidence and plan their journeys effectively.

Noise Barriers

Noise levels along the A2 motorway between Świecko and Konin are regularly monitored by Autostrada Wielkopolska, including areas covered by the Natura 2000 programme. Where noise levels may exceed acceptable limits, acoustic barriers are installed, with heights adapted to local conditions.

Currently, more than 40 km of noise barriers are in place along this section of the A2 motorway. Depending on the technology used, such barriers can reduce noise levels by 10–15 dB.

Natural Noise Barriers

Greenery also serve as natural acoustic barriers. For this reason, vegetation is planted wherever possible—especially near interchanges, service areas and toll plazas—helping to absorb road noise. Earth embankments, which run alongside long sections of the motorway, also play an important role in reducing noise emissions.