Measured noise levels at the crossroads of Sofia's Rakovski and Dondukov boulevards reached 85 decibels (dB) where the maximum allowed level is 60, announced vice mayor for ecology Mariya Boyadjiiska.

These were the results of preliminary measurements, ordered by the Sofia Municipality. Other areas with high noise levels included Orlov Most (Eagle's Bridge) and Tsarigradsko Shose.

The municipality was preparing a noise map, which all larger municipalities are required by the EC, Boyadjiiska said. The map would be ready September 30.

Sofia municipality has set aside 500 000 leva for the acquisition of equipment for the production of the map.
Measurements would be taken every 25 meter. The noise level data map would be made available online by the municipality,  Boyadjiiska said.

Maximum levels for noise in the city have been set in a special regulation at the end of 2006.
According to this regulation the maximum noise level from outside a building should not exceed 50 dB. In Sofia, average levels are between 78 – 82 dbA, an analysis from 2006 said.

According to the European Environment Agency, daily noise levels over 40 dB affect our well-being, while there is evidence that levels over 60 dB can affect physical and psychological health.

Municipal councillor Vili Lilkov said noise nuisance complaints have consistently been on the increase. Most complaints are about noise from establishments, air-conditioners and construction work.

The next municipal council would have to solve the noise problem, Lilkov said.
The municipal council is considering building noise-insulating wall along the most noisy boulevards as a possible solution to the problem, Boyadjiiska said.