The traffic volume has a big influence on the noise pollution (section 3.1.2.2, fig. 3/4). A doubling of the traffic volume leads to a noise level increase of about 3 dB. The percentage of trucks also contributes significantly to the production of noise. Noise pollution can therefore be reduced by reducing the traffic volume, especially the number of trucks.

The traffic volume can be reduced for example through pedestrian-friendly city planning (wide pavements, pedestrian zones) or a large-scale cycleway network. Traffic in areas requiring protection can also be reduced by providing conveniently arranged parking possibilities. The creation of park-and-ride sites should be considered during planning in order to induce commuters to use the local public transport system (trains, low-noise buses). Traffic within residential quarters can be largely avoided by establishing centrally located parking lots. Adequate areas should already be designated in the planning stage.

Traffic volume can be reduced in the context of traffic calming measures by modifying the development of residential areas. Development roads must not submit through traffic, which can be directed on major roads through zones requiring less protection. Figure 6/3 gives an example of traffic calming through inner development in the building area "Auf der Steig/Daiberweg" in Stuttgart Bad-Cannstatt.

The additional noise pollution at the major road going past the residential area is low compared to a through road leading through the residential area. The degree of noise reduction in the calmed residential area, however, is higher.

This can be illustrated by a simple example: If the residential area is not calmed, 1,500 vehicles per hour will travel on a major road outside the residential area. The same number of vehicles will use the through road through the residential area. If the residential area is calmed, about 2,700 will be expected to use the major road and about 300 the development road in the residential area. In this case the noise level at the major road will be expected to increase by about 3 dB while the noise level in the residential area will be reduced by about 7 dB.

With regard to a reduction of the traffic volume, roads must be dimensioned in a way that they do not attract additional traffic.

In any case planning should provide for the shortest possible distances between different uses.

Many car trips can be prevented and therefore the traffic volume reduced by reducing the distances between dwellings, businesses and workplaces (e.g. the supermarket should not be established in the green countryside).