The Effects of Tenure and Type of Dwelling on Subjective Response to Traffic Noise

Abstract

Previous research has suggested that the type of residential dwelling and the tenure status of an individual affects response to noise. However, the effects of these variables has been assumed but not empirically demonstrated. Using questionnaire data collected at selected residential sites, in the Toronto region, this analysis tests the separate and joint effects of dwelling type and tenure, on response to road traffic noise. The results show that tenure status had no effect on a resident's response to traffic noise. There was only a weak dwelling type effect, with detached unit residents being slightly more disturbed than multi-unit residents by the equivalent noise level. The findings do not support a policy of varying noise standards for different types of residential area.