Despite claims that lowering speed limits will harm the economy, evidence suggests journey times are hardly affected. And beyond reducing the road toll, there are health and climate benefits, too.
Whether it’s cars passing nearby, a neighbour’s blaring music or the constant drone of a lawnmower, the trouble with sound is that – unlike light – it can be hard to block out completely.
Too much background noise has been linked to heart disease, strokes and even holding back children’s learning.
Urban noise pushes birds to sing in high pitch and ship sound deafens whales and dolphins.
John Haslam, Eric Bégin, IK's World Trip, Green Fire Productions, flickker photos, Jay Ebberly / Flickr