Popular European capital to get 14 ‘quiet zones'- and tourists can be fined up to £1,700 for being too noisy
Lisbon, Portugal, is introducing 14 new quiet zones across the city to try and curb noise levels.
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According to a recent study, 13.6 percent of Lisbon's residents are exposed to noise levels above 65 decibels specifically due to traffic, reports Time Out.
However, the city council is attempting to change that.
Since 2014, the city has been working to manage its noise levels, including producing a noise map.
The city already has 12 areas which are considered 'quiet zones' - where environmental noise should be not exceed 55 decibels during the day and no more than 45 at night.
According to DecibelPro, 55 decibels is equivalent to "a quiet home environment, a residential street, or a normal conversation between two people".
And 45 decibels is equivalent to the noise of an average home or normal conversation.
Lisbon Municipal Assembly has now approved an overhaul of its 2014 noise map that includes more than doubling the number of zones to 26 in total.
Essentially, this means in 26 areas of the city, honking and loud music will not be allowed.
The quite zones fall under Lisbon's noise law, which is part of a overall noise management plan in the city.
If noise is louder than the set limits for day and night, residents can report it through a dedicated noise hotline, which is served by the Municipal Police of Lisbon.
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And for those who are found failing to comply with the law, they could receive a significant fine of up to €2,000 (£1,698.96).
For individuals, the amounts can range from €200 (£169.90) to €2,000 (£1,698.96) and for companies or groups, fines are higher ranging from €2,000 (£1,698.96) to €18,000 (£15,290.64).
Repeat offenders may also face additional consequences including temporary suspension of the activity responsible for the noise.
Councillor Rui Cordeiro confirmed that the city is also collaborating with the Port of Lisbon and the APA to address maritime and nightlife noise.
A huge new £8billion airport is also due to open near Europe's cheapest city following record tourist numbers.
Plus, the European city break with £1.66 beers – and it's just a few hours from the UK.
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