Do Sound Barriers help Support the Case for Airport Expansion?

The debate around airport expansion in the UK has been on-going for many years now. Arguments both for and against such expansions are compelling and well supported. Whilst it is clear to see the benefits for the UK on the whole, and for the individual, many remain strongly opposed to the proposed developments. With that in mind, let us look at some of the benefits of the suggested growth.

The UK has clearly been though very tough financial times. Although these are not over, many would suggest that now is the time for growth and for building towards the future. While this may sound like the logical way forward, many people remain resistant, or even fearful, of grand, and seemingly expensive, planning. If the economy is starting to grow again, why change things and risk decline? Is it too much of a risk to take? Is it too early in the UK’s economic recovery? Or will it help improve our situation further?

A need for more sound barriers

The UK, in particular London, is a key player in world business, and this needs to be maintained. It is clear to see that business needs to be international in order to have reach and opportunity for large scale growth. Boosting trade with other countries and opening the door to international development will help ensure the economy continues in its incline.

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Business and trade happen at a fast pace. Having easy access to readily available and reasonably priced international flights will support this. At present the UK’s airports and flight networks are jam packed. Everyone wants to get somewhere, in a hurry. Delay, crowds and waiting do not go hand in hand with business. Airport expansion will open these networks and allow increased traffic in and out of the UK for our businesses.

There is a huge and very real fear that with additional runways and air traffic the level of noise pollution will also increase and could possibly decrease the quality of life for many living near our airports. Whilst it is true that more planes will equal more noise, technology to manage this is also developing. Acoustic barriers are already well used around airports and runways to help reduce noise for neighbours. The erection of more noise barriers will have to be carefully considered when expansions start.

More sound barriers means more jobs

Whilst international business is important for the country’s continued economic growth, the need for jobs here and now in the UK is great. It is clear to see that once, if agreed, actual work begins on expanding any of the UK’s airports a huge number of jobs will be created. It has been estimated that, if expansion takes place at Gatwick, 120,000 new jobs will be created. If you think of the scale of the task it is clear to see how this number is realistic.

The expansion of a huge international airport is no small task. From initial planning, marketing, media and architecture right through to actual building work, labouring, construction and landscaping, a hive of activity will be in evidence. Employees will be needed at every stage. Looking at smaller details such as sound barriers will evidence the increased need for new jobs. Take the example of acoustic barriers, new technology will need to be implemented, new styles designed, and then they will need to be made, sold and installed; jobs at each stage, and a real boost to the UK’s economy.

Supporting the demand for innovation with acoustic barriers

The expansion of UK airports and flight networks will pave the way for development in many areas of industry. Expansions plans will involve the most up to date modern technology and products that can be found. This is particularly evident when it comes to noise barriers. Increased noise pollution will bring the need for better use of these acoustic barriers. This will mean a demand for development of sound barrier technology, design and erection.

This will also be the case for many other industries. Competition amongst companies to provide the materials or services to be used in airport expansion will inspire creativity and progression. This will support the UK’s industries both now and in the future, both in the UK and in trade across the world. Advances in services and products will give the potential for our businesses to be at the forefront in their sectors, a crucial factor in this period of growth.

These are just a small number of the many benefits airport expansion would bring to the UK. There are certainly many more detailed arguments to support this side of the debate. Clearly, there are also many points on the opposing side, against the airport expansion. Concerns have been raised around noise pollution as well as the potentially significant and detrimental impact upon the environment, to name just two of these points. The debate continues with the decisions over next steps still to be seen. 

Acoustic Barriers in Everyday Life

In the modern world the use of acoustic barriers to protect us from noise pollution is essential. Rapidly developing technology has led to expansive developments in the world of transport. Cars are becoming faster, planes are becoming bigger and all forms of modern transport are being used more frequently, and by more of us. In the eyes of most people, this is seen as positive for us as individuals as well as for the nation. Although we may welcome these changes, we do not welcome the increasing noise which can reach deafening levels in some parts of the country.

Thankfully, noise barriers are now in regular use along many motorways and major roads and around airport runways. Sound barriers serve to reduce the levels of noise entering into our homes and into our daily lives. The act of absorption and reflection of noise pollution dramatically cutting the loudness of traffic is crucial for many of us. With the populated areas becoming denser many more people find themselves living in properties closer to busy road networks. The common use of acoustic barriers eliminates the noise that residents would find to be an annoyance or distraction. However, as a country which takes pride in our presentation we do not want sound barriers to become an eyesore.

Sound Barriers as Art Work

The nature and function of sound barriers means that they are large in size. Such large structures can be unappealing to look at if not created in a careful and well managed way. This is recognised by many and an approach with presentation in mind is taken. The scope for using sound barriers as creative and decorative structures is huge. Acoustic barriers can be created and positioned in a way that is aesthetically pleasing for those passing by or living in the vicinity. They can add to the overall look and appeal of the environment rather than detract from it.

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This can be taken further by the use of art alongside sound barriers. More frequently we are seeing acoustic barriers as art work, with artists working alongside engineers to create structures that are both practical and creative. This is an area which is likely to be further developed going into the future. British towns and cities take great pride in their appearance, and place a high value on individuality and celebration; this is reflected in what is seen when travelling in the area. Sound barriers can be implemented into this, and can become a recognisable feature for that location to present to us. 

Using Acoustic Barriers to Improve the Quality of Life

The vast majority of us are relatively happy with our homes. We tend to live in areas which suit our needs and which offer the amenities we like to have at hand, and we usually get on well with our neighbours without the need for acoustic barriers. This isn't the case with everyone, of course, but it generally applies to most of us. If someone in the UK likes the idea of living in London, there is every chance that that person will indeed be living in the nation’s capital.

If someone in Britain is unhappy about the locale in which they live, there are opportunities to do something about it. Local and national governments can be contacted, cajoled and sometimes even persuaded by special interest pressure groups, so it’s reassuring to know that things can be done. A list of potential issues can include parking restrictions, traffic conditions, the provision of transport networks and the construction of acoustic barriers as and when needed.

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We all know that a perfect life is something most of us will never achieve, of course, but that shouldn't stop us from wanting to make things better. Some people are more likely to complain than others, because that’s part of human nature, but we can all benefit from applying a little pressure to those who have to make the big decisions that affect our lives.

Roadside living, with the help of Sound Barriers

Living close to a major road, especially one which is home to a constant hum of traffic, will not be to everyone’s liking. Noise barriers and acoustic barriers can help to make daily life more bearable, so it makes sense to lobby those who matter about this issue. Anything that helps to reduce the decibel level, and thereby improve your sleep, surely has to be taken into consideration.

London is home to a great many busy roads, of course, and is surrounded by the M25, a notorious traffic blackspot. If you happen to live near to the cars, vans and trucks which pass by, you will know all about the problems that can be caused by the din. If the sound barriers aren’t doing their job at these locations, it could be time to ask for more to be constructed.

It goes without saying perhaps that these issues aren’t just restricted to the UK’s capital city. The same story is repeated in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow and a host of other locations. Thankfully, acoustic barriers go a long way towards making life more liveable for anyone who lives close by.