DEFRA's 2022 noise model puts the loudest mapped source at N1 9FA in the 75.0 dB or more band. Mapped noise here: very high road noise by day, very high at night; low rail noise by day, low at night.

Is this a measurement of actual noise?

No. These figures come from DEFRA's Strategic Noise Mapping Round 4 (2022), a computer model of noise from major roads and railways. It estimates average levels over a year, not what you'd hear on any given day.

What noise sources are missing from this data?

The model only covers major roads, major railways and large urban areas. Neighbour noise, pubs and venues, building sites, aircraft and smaller local roads are not included.

Noise levels in N1 9FA

Mapped noise here: very high road noise by day, very high at night; low rail noise by day, low at night.

According to DEFRA's Strategic Noise Mapping (Round 4, 2022), the postcode N1 9FA has modelled road noise of 75.0 dB or more by day and 70.0 dB or more at night, and rail noise of 55.0–59.9 dB by day and 50.0–54.9 dB at night. These are modelled estimates of noise from major roads and railways, not measurements.

Mapped noise bands at N1 9FA

Source	Modelled level	What that means
Road (day, 07:00–23:00)	75.0 dB or more	Among the loudest mapped locations in England — comparable to heavy traffic passing right beside you. Expect noise to dominate outside and to need serious mitigation inside.
Road (night, 23:00–07:00)	70.0 dB or more	Very high for night-time — at this level sleep disturbance is likely without effective sound insulation. Typical of buildings directly beside major transport corridors.
Rail (day, 07:00–23:00)	55.0–59.9 dB	A steady background hum, like a busy office. Audible outdoors and with windows open; most people acclimatise but it is rarely truly quiet.
Rail (night, 23:00–07:00)	50.0–54.9 dB	Noticeable at night — comparable to a quiet conversation nearby. You would likely hear it with a window open, and light sleepers may be disturbed.

Source: DEFRA Strategic Noise Mapping Round 4 (2022), Open Government Licence. Modelled annual averages, not measurements.

Noise map around N1 9FA

55-59 dB60-64 dB65-69 dB70-74 dB75 dB+Unshaded = below the mapping threshold or not modelled (not necessarily quiet).

What do these decibel levels feel like?

30 dB

Whisper / quiet rural night

40 dB

Library

50 dB

Quiet office, light rainfall

60 dB

Normal conversation, busy-road hum

70 dB

Busy road at the kerb, vacuum cleaner ← this postcode

80 dB

Heavy lorry passing, alarm clock

Decibels are logarithmic: a 10 dB increase sounds roughly twice as loud.

What this data does — and doesn't — cover

Modelled, not measured.These are DEFRA's computer-modelled estimates (Round 4, 2022), not microphone readings at your door.
Major sources only. The model covers major roads, major railways and large urban areas. Smaller local roads, neighbours, pubs, building sites and aircraft are not included.
No mapped noise ≠ quiet. If a location shows no band, it means it falls outside the mapped contours — not that it is silent.
2022 snapshot.New roads, developments or traffic changes since 2022 won't show. The next DEFRA round is due around 2027.

More detail on the methodology page.

Bothered by road or rail noise at home?

Acoustic and secondary glazing typically cuts perceived traffic noise dramatically. We're building a free quote-matching service with vetted installers — leave your email and we'll contact you when it launches.

N1 9FA is in or near London — see the road and rail noise map for London.

Buying nearby? How to check noise levels before buying a house.

Frequently asked questions

How noisy is N1 9FA?: DEFRA's 2022 noise model puts the loudest mapped source at N1 9FA in the 75.0 dB or more band. Mapped noise here: very high road noise by day, very high at night; low rail noise by day, low at night.
Is this a measurement of actual noise?: No. These figures come from DEFRA's Strategic Noise Mapping Round 4 (2022), a computer model of noise from major roads and railways. It estimates average levels over a year, not what you'd hear on any given day.
What noise sources are missing from this data?: The model only covers major roads, major railways and large urban areas. Neighbour noise, pubs and venues, building sites, aircraft and smaller local roads are not included.