Road noise dilemma

New Zealanders have no legal standing to stop traffic noise near their homes, an environmental noise expert says.

While new and altered roads are required to meet Transport Agency noise level standards, there is no such legal requirement for existing roads, says consultant Malcolm Hunt.

This meant authorities could resurface a smooth asphalt road with much more noisy chip seal, he said.

"It's the same as ... shifting your house half as close to the road."