A new government website provides maps showing the level of noise pollution from major industries, road and rail networks in 23 urban areas in England.

The information, covering 80,000km of roads within urban areas, will be used to draw up action plans to reduce unreasonable noise levels, and to protect designated quiet areas.

Users are able to search by postcode to access maps which show noise levels over an average 24-hour period, as well as night-time hours.

The site also includes information on the number of people exposed to these noise levels.

Environment minister,Jonathan Shaw, said: ‘These maps provide the most comprehensive snapshot yet of noise in our country, all at the click of a mouse.

‘They will provide a springboard to go forward and tackle unnecessary and unreasonable noise pollution. We will use them to draw up action plans to reduce noise, where practical, from major roads and railways, as well as from urban areas.’

The mapping was carried out during 2006-07, in line with DEFRA’s work to implement the EU Environmental Noise Directive. They incorporate the noise maps produced for the 18 English airports, published last year.