The LENS stakeholder group has been cooperating closely with the consortium since the beginning of the project. This positive relationship led to the joint workshop, which was organised by several Dutch and German citizens’ initiatives with the administrative and technical support of POLIS Network. The 2-hour online event ‘Sound of Silence?’ – citizens’ perspective on noise pollution’, which took place on 9 April from 10-12:00 CEST, attracted 65 participants. LENS invites you to read the summary below, which includes all presentations and the recording of the webinar.
The session opened with an introduction to the LENS project and its focus on real-world emissions and noise from light-duty vehicles. As project coordinator Leonidas Ntziachristos noted, “We have done what is technically possible to understand real-world emissions and noise from light-duty vehicles – we are developing knowledge to take action on the ground”.
Citizen concerns were at the heart of the webinar. While urban dwellers have to deal with various forms of noise and air pollution, rural and scenic areas face particular challenges due to the influx of leisure motorcyclists. A short video illustrated the overwhelming noise levels experienced by communities in areas such as the Black Forest or Dutch towns like Amersfoort – highlighting the inability of residents to simply ‘turn down the volume’.
Moderated by Hester Volten (RIVM), the next part of the workshop focused on different perspectives on noise-pollution of L-vehicles in the Netherlands:
- Tony Hardenberg (NEFOM) highlighted the serious health risks associated with noise pollution, including sleep disturbance, high blood pressure and premature death. NEFOM, supported by hundreds of community groups, is campaigning for a legal noise limit of 70 dB(A) across Europe.
- Nick Mabjaia (RIVM) discussed how citizen science – using low-cost sensors and apps – is empowering communities to collect their own environmental data, helping to fill monitoring gaps and support local governance.
- Michael Dittrich (TNO) explored technical solutions such as noise cameras, increased enforcement and urban design strategies. While promising, the success of these tools depends on clear legal frameworks and public support.
Followed by a series of presentations from citizen’s groups in the Netherlands and Germany:
- Jantine Leeflang (Drechterland) described a legal case in the Netherlands where a weekend ban on motorcycles was overturned due to a lack of objective peak noise data. The case highlighted the need for better measurement methods and more intelligent monitoring.
- Folker Hahn (Nordschwarzwald) shared experiences from the Black Forest, where noise pollution from motorcycles continues to increase, with limited possibilities for enforcement. Residents are calling for a coordinated European response.
- Koos Dirksen (Amersfoort) described the journey of a local initiative that successfully lobbied for municipal action. The group’s efforts led to trained enforcement officers and a city action plan, with ambitions to support other cities with a practical toolbox.
- Jürgen Steger, speaking for mayors in the Eifel region, stressed the need for stronger legislation, noting that local support was high but tools for enforcement were lacking.
Finally, Leo Fluitman (SOS-Europe) concluded by voicing widespread citizen frustration over a lack of progress. Despite long-standing complaints, little has changed. Fluitman urged policymakers to act – calling for better EU-level enforcement, funding for noise-speed cameras, and meaningful inclusion of citizens in the decision-making process.
Presentations
Introduction to the LENS project – Leonidas Ntziachristos (EMISIA)
Citizens’ perspective – Tony Hardenberg
Government perspective – Nick Mabjaia (RIVM, Rijksinstituut voor volksgezondheid en milieu)
Applied scientific research perspective – Michael Dittrich (TNO)
Summary of experiences of citizen groups from the Netherlands and Germany
- Courtcase Zuidendijk / Smart Monitoring systems – Jantine Leeflang (Drechterland)
- Eldorado for bikers / Data from Baden-Würtemberg – Folker Hahn (Nordschwarzwald)
- Stop traffic noise in Amersfoort – Koos Dirksen (Amersfoort)
- Situation in the German Eifel Region – Jürgen Steeger (Eifel)
- Road to silence – Leo Fluitman (SOS Europe)