Vassiliadis V., Tzekakis E., Vogiatzis C.

The requirements resulting from the application of the EU directive 2002/49/EC are very significant for each city. For this reason the cities of Veria & Ioannina in Northern Greece in collaboration with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the University of Thessaly have initiated a Noise evaluation & action plan regarding : 1. for the city of Veria the installation of a long term Noise Monitoring Network (5 stations) in various types of urban environments. The factors that were considered for the location of the Noise Monitoring stations include different uses of the areas and different urban conditions. The locations included a city center crossroad near the major hall, a city entrance road with heavy traffic in a residential area, a low quality residential urban district, a ring road with shops, a shopping area with residences etc. The Noise Monitoring Stations are already in operation for more than 24 months. 2. for the city of Ioannina an extended short term Noise Monitoring Network (4 mobile stations) in various types of urban environments with emphasis in transportation noise including also traffic monitoring and urban transportation flows monitoring and counts. The locations included the city center major urban intersections residential & educational facilities areas. All noise measurements were taken according to the 2002/49/EC, at 4m height and per hour in order to be able to calculate the Lden indicator. Many conclusions have been drawn from these measurements and relevant noise actions proposals were evaluated. The daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly variations of each district have also been investigated, as well as the influence of important changes in traffic regulations. Parallel to the Noise Monitoring Campaign in both cities a Noise Abatement Awareness Project was also carried out.