Analysis of Traffic Noise Levels on Land Use in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Traffic noise in urban areas has always been a global issue. This study focuses on the land use analysis of traffic noise levels in the Jos Metropolis. The study was conducted in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. Twenty-five (25) road corridors were sampled for the study. Measurement points were randomly selected along the road corridors. Traffic noise levels were collected using Sound Level Meter. The sound level meter was positioned at a distance of 6.5 m from the centreline of the nearest travel lane of the road and was held at about 1.5 m high from the ground level. The traffic noise levels data were collected three times a day during peak hour periods from Monday to Saturday. Noise data were measured for 15 minutes at an interval of 6 seconds in each measurement point for six days, making a total of 18 measurements per location. Data sourced from the field were analysed using Mean, Standard Deviation and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The study revealed that traffic noise levels in Jos Metropolis in the various land uses exceeded the maximum permissible noise levels recommended by WHO and FEPA. The study recommended the dispersal of land uses through land use allocation