Motorway Noise
Major motorways are one of the biggest sources of environmental noise in the UK. Here's which postcode districts are affected by each motorway corridor.
Illustrative values assigned from postcode lookup groups and preset ranges; not measured or validated predictions. How these values are produced.
🛣️ M25
59 postcode districts in this lookup group · assigned illustrative dB range 58-68 dB
Illustrative values assigned from postcode lookup groups and preset ranges; not measured or validated predictions. How these values are produced.
🛣️ M1
39 postcode districts in this lookup group · assigned illustrative dB range 55-65 dB
Illustrative values assigned from postcode lookup groups and preset ranges; not measured or validated predictions. How these values are produced.
🛣️ M6
54 postcode districts in this lookup group · assigned illustrative dB range 55-65 dB
Illustrative values assigned from postcode lookup groups and preset ranges; not measured or validated predictions. How these values are produced.
🛣️ M4
45 postcode districts in this lookup group · assigned illustrative dB range 55-68 dB
Illustrative values assigned from postcode lookup groups and preset ranges; not measured or validated predictions. How these values are produced.
🛣️ M62
67 postcode districts in this lookup group · assigned illustrative dB range 55-65 dB
Illustrative values assigned from postcode lookup groups and preset ranges; not measured or validated predictions. How these values are produced.
🛣️ M5
20 postcode districts in this lookup group · assigned illustrative dB range 52-62 dB
Illustrative values assigned from postcode lookup groups and preset ranges; not measured or validated predictions. How these values are produced.
🛣️ M40
17 postcode districts in this lookup group · assigned illustrative dB range 52-62 dB
Illustrative values assigned from postcode lookup groups and preset ranges; not measured or validated predictions. How these values are produced.
🛣️ M3
26 postcode districts in this lookup group · assigned illustrative dB range 52-62 dB
Illustrative values assigned from postcode lookup groups and preset ranges; not measured or validated predictions. How these values are produced.
🛣️ M60 / M56
44 postcode districts in this lookup group · assigned illustrative dB range 55-65 dB
Illustrative values assigned from postcode lookup groups and preset ranges; not measured or validated predictions. How these values are produced.
🛣️ M11
19 postcode districts in this lookup group · assigned illustrative dB range 52-60 dB
Illustrative values assigned from postcode lookup groups and preset ranges; not measured or validated predictions. How these values are produced.
🛣️ A1(M)
20 postcode districts in this lookup group · assigned illustrative dB range 50-60 dB
Illustrative values assigned from postcode lookup groups and preset ranges; not measured or validated predictions. How these values are produced.
How Motorway Noise Decays With Distance
Sound from a motorway typically decreases by 3-6 dB for every doubling of distance. At 50 metres from the carriageway, noise levels of 70-80 dB are common during peak traffic. By 200 metres, this drops to around 55-65 dB, and by 500 metres, levels are usually below 50 dB.
Barriers such as earth bunds, noise fences, and buildings can further reduce motorway noise by 5-15 dB. Topography also plays a role — properties below the motorway level experience less noise than those above it.
Reducing Motorway Noise at Home
If you live near a motorway, soundproofing your home can significantly improve quality of life. The most effective measures include secondary glazing on road-facing windows, acoustic-rated trickle vents, and sealing gaps around doors and windows.
Check Road Noise by Address
Search a postcode district to see which road lookup groups are listed for it. Those group assignments and dB values do not establish road noise at a particular home. The data page explains the method and links to official maps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check road noise near an address?
Search the postcode district for the address in the box above to see which road lookup groups are listed. The assigned dB value is illustrative and does not establish road noise at a specific address.
How far from a motorway can you hear the noise?
At 50 metres from the carriageway, 70-80 dB is common during peak traffic. By 200 metres this drops to around 55-65 dB, and by 500 metres levels are usually below 50 dB. Wind direction, barriers and topography all affect how far the sound carries.
How much does motorway noise drop with distance?
Sound from a motorway typically decreases by 3-6 dB for every doubling of distance. Earth bunds, noise fences and intervening buildings can cut a further 5-15 dB, and properties sitting below the level of the carriageway experience less noise than those above it.
Related Guides
- Railway noise: mainline and freight railway noise by postcode
- Flight path checker: is your postcode under a flight path?
- Noise and house prices: how living near a motorway can affect a home's value
- Soundproofing guide: practical solutions for road noise
- How to report noise: your rights under the law
- Decibel guide: what dB levels mean in practice