Rostock Prioritizes Noise Reduction – The 4th Update of the Noise Action Plan

The 4th Update of the Noise Action Plan: Key Focus and Objectives

In April 2026, the 4th update of Rostock's Noise Action Plan came into effect. With this update, the city once again fulfills its obligations under the EU Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC after five years. The aim is to protect public health and improve the quality of living by reducing noise pollution that is harmful to health.

In total, 60 noise hotspots were identified in Rostock, including 63 in road traffic, 21 in tram traffic, and 5 in rail traffic. Particularly high noise loads are concentrated in the districts of Gartenstadt and Stadtweide, on streets such as Satower Straße, Rennbahnallee, and Kopernikusstraße. The dominant noise sources are heavy traffic, especially trucks, as well as current citizen concerns that affect quality of life.

Measures for Noise Reduction: Proposals and Prioritization

The city has developed 30 proposed measures to reduce noise pollution. These include road surface repairs using low-noise surfaces, noise barriers, speed limits, and the redesign of streets. Traffic flow optimizations such as roundabouts and traffic light systems are also planned.

A project-accompanying steering group – including, among others, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), the Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HWK), and the Regional Transport Association (RSAG) – is responsible for evaluating and prioritizing the measures. Prioritization is based on the expected noise reduction effect and costs. The results of the evaluations will be presented to the city council no later than December 2027.

A controversial debate arose around the reduction of speed limits on main traffic axes such as the L22. Although 30 km/h measures are considered effective, they were rejected in the meeting due to the risk of traffic congestion, unreliable public transport, and additional noise pollution in residential areas. Instead, it is proposed to thoroughly examine alternatives, especially with regard to economic impacts.

Public Participation and Legal Foundations

The public will be involved in the process of evaluating measures in an appropriate and necessary manner. Public participation took place in two phases: May 2023 and April to May 2025. During this time, 22 "quiet zones" – two landscape areas and 20 urban sanctuaries – were designated for special protection from noise pollution.

According to constitutional law, noise levels exceeding 70 dB(A) during the day and 60 dB(A) at night are considered threshold values. If these are exceeded, there is a right to review traffic-related measures. This legal basis is crucial for the implementation of measures such as 30 km/h zones.

Outlook and Challenges

The implementation of the measures depends on the budget situation. Investment measures with significant financial costs require approval by the city council. The city plans to integrate measures into existing investment corridors to facilitate implementation.

A challenge remains the balance between noise reduction and traffic flow. While speed limits can reduce noise pollution, they often lead to detours and new noise hotspots. Therefore, a secondary approach to such measures is pursued before less intrusive alternatives are examined.

By no later than 2027, the city council will be informed of the evaluation results. Until then, the Noise Action Plan remains a recommendation, not a binding directive. Nonetheless, it forms the basis for future traffic management measures and thus has a long-term impact on urban planning and quality of life in Rostock.

Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction

The 4th update of the Noise Action Plan shows that Rostock is actively working to reduce noise pollution. With a systematic evaluation of measures, extensive public participation, and clear legal foundations, the city is pursuing sustainable noise reduction. The challenge remains to find the balance between traffic flow, noise protection, and economic interests – a balance that will remain a focus of urban policy in the future.