QUIET TECHNOLOGIES FOR DELIVERIES IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

The aim of this paper is to review current research on materials and methods that can be incorporated within local environment and building design concepts to mitigate noise due to deliveries. The use of innovative materials, design and master planning to minimise noise are presented in three main areas: a) The source of the noise issues, informed by complaints and looking into which stages of delivery and aspects of delivery lead to noise issues; b) Existing good practice guidance; and c) Current technologies and innovative solutions. Quiet technologies and equipment used for the reduction of vehicle noise are outside the scope of this review. Suggestions on the applicability of the various solutions to the control of impacts from delivery noise are offered. A summary of the generic solutions is included, together with a discussion of case studies where available. The findings indicate that fundamental research and development is required to create specific technologies to generate options for embedding noise reduction materials and processes into street and building design for the mitigation of impacts of noise from deliveries.