A PETITION for a sound barrier to shield homes in Wolvercote from the A34 has been started by a village resident.

More than 70 people have so far signed, calling on Oxfordshire County Council to install a mile-and-a-quarter long ‘acoustic fence’.

Residents say they are facing “invasive noise on a daily and nightly basis” from the busy dual carriageway, which runs alongside the north-east side of Wolvercote.

Petition author Rob Whitty, of Elmthorpe Road, said the noise was in excess of 90 decibels(dB) and posed health risks.

He said: “According to the World Health Organisation, the European Union and the Government, noise outside a dwelling is seen as acceptable up to a maximum of 45dB.

“Noise levels on the A34 must not continue to be ignored.

“The effects of noise include an increased pattern of cardiovascular disease, strokes and premature births, not to mention adverse effects on sleep and breathing patterns, stress, anxiety disorders and ulcers, all of which increase the local public health burden.

“Such a burden is avoidable.”

Mr Whitty said a sound barrier alongside the A34 could reduce noise levels by as much as 80 per cent on roads such as Clifford Place, Home Close, and Rosamund Road.

He said the cost – likely to be under £700,000 – would be a fraction of the cost of laying “quieter tarmac”, as was done on the nearby A34 viaduct at Pear Tree when it was replaced in 2010.

Mr Whitty added: “Sound measurements taken last week on different Wolvercote roads showed noise levels up to 92db, the same level as a lawnmower continuously running immediately outside our houses.

“I was in Shanghai two weeks ago and the outer city where I was based was virtually silent between 2am to 5am, despite being very close to two busy eight lane highways. Yet on return to our home in Wolvercote I was woken in the middle of the night by the A34 traffic.”

“The effects of such noise should not be underestimated.”

County council cabinet member for transport David Nimmo Smith said the road was controlled by Highways England, and the council had approached it to ask if there were any plans to install noise barriers.