ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners have called for urgent action after new maps showed for the first time the extent of noise pollution around Southampton.

The maps provide a revealing snapshot of the level of noise caused by major industries, roads, railways around the city and from Southampton Airport.

The A33 along the docks in Southampton and junction 4 of theM27, where it links with theM3, are highlighted as the noisiest roads while the port is one of the loudest industrial areas.

The maps have been drawn up by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) in response to European regulations. They were made using computer modelling techniques based on information such as traffic flow.No actual noise measurements were taken.

The Government must now produce an action plan in consultation with the city council, public and other interested groups, to show how it will reduce unwanted noise pollution and protect designated quiet areas.

To see the maps, click the links at the bottom of the article

Environment minister Jonathan Shaw said: "Factors like transport and industry are a necessary part of modern life. But we need to look at what further practical steps we can take to make people's lives more tranquil.

"They will provide a springboard to go forward and tackle unnecessary and unreasonable noise pollution."

But Mary Stevens from Environmental Protection UK told the Daily Echo that the Government now faced a race against time to submit their action plans to European noise chiefs by the end of the year.

She said: "The first priority we think should be to protect the quiet areas, to stop the noise getting worse, then looking at ways it can be reduced."

Chris Bluemel, co-ordinator of Southampton Friends of the Earth, said the maps were a welcome step to inform the public. He said the growth ofr Southampton Airport was a particular concern.

"Noise needs to be minimised everywhere. There is a lot of evidence of the adverse health effects of being exposed to noise at excessive levels and for a long period of time."

A spokesman for Southampton Airport said it was committed to managing the impact of noise on the local community.

She said the airport was closed at night and was working with airlines to "minimise noise disturbance where possible".

She pointed out that the airport'smajor airline Flybe had replaced some of its older aircraft with quieter models.

Councillor Gavin Dick, Southampton City Council's Cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "While we have not yet had time to study them in detail we will be looking to mitigate and adapt areas where noise is unacceptable."