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Environment & noise

General information and noise measurements

A number of paddock rules apply at Circuit Zandvoort, in order to guarantee safety for all those present. In addition, the circuit is bound by noise rules. More information about this can be found on this page.

Paddock regulations

At Circuit Zandvoort, several paddock regulations are in place to ensure the safety of all attendees. Additionally, some of these rules have been implemented to align with national environmental regulations, ensuring that Circuit Zandvoort contributes to a better environment. A better environment starts with the teams on the circuit grounds.

The special paddock regulations outline rules regarding gas cylinders and their protection. They also specify the requirements for fuel storage locations and the resulting refueling regulations. Furthermore, the paddock regulations address the disposal of wastewater and designate collection points for oil residues.

Lastly, the regulations cover the placement of tents, vehicle parking, maximum speed limits in the paddock area, and the use of pit boxes.
For more information, please refer to the paddock regulations and/or the paddock permit application document of Circuit Zandvoort.

Noise measurements

Circuit Zandvoort is subject to noise regulations, which apply on all operational days. On twelve specific days, more flexible standards are permitted, known as UBO days. Circuit Zandvoort operates under a permit issued by the Municipality of Zandvoort/OD IJmond in accordance with the Environmental Management Act.

Noise levels are monitored live on a daily basis during various activities.

By enforcing technical regulations and strictly adhering to the limits set in the applicable permits, we ensure that operations remain within the permitted framework.

All measurements and forecasts have been available exclusively via geluid.circuitzandvoort.nl since January 1, 2023.

Noise Regulations & Measurements

The regulations Circuit Zandvoort must comply with are outlined in a permit. Compliance with this permit is monitored by the Omgevingsdienst IJmond on behalf of the Municipality of Zandvoort.

To plan various operational days and calculate the noise production of associated programs, Circuit Zandvoort uses a calculation model. Based on previously collected data, a forecast can be made before an event, predicting the total average noise level the event will produce. This average must not exceed the limit set by the relevant governmental authority.

Noise generated at Circuit Zandvoort is measured at a monitoring point located directly next to the track (at the start of the main straight). Measuring at this location minimizes the impact of wind on the readings.

Daily Measurements

Circuit Zandvoort's noise production is measured daily. The measurement results are processed by a computer to calculate an average, which must remain below the threshold set by the Municipality of Zandvoort.

For official events, Circuit Zandvoort is required to calculate the expected noise levels in advance and submit these forecasts to the Municipality of Zandvoort and Omgevingsdienst IJmond. These forecasts must demonstrate that the planned program complies with the permit conditions. During events, noise levels are continuously monitored, and the results must be submitted to the relevant authorities afterward.

Noise limits for the evening (7:00 PM – 11:00 PM) and night (11:00 PM – 7:00 AM) are significantly lower than the daytime limits. The permit explicitly prohibits motorsport activities on the track at night (e.g., 24-hour car races are not allowed). The establishment of evening and night limits restricts Circuit Zandvoort’s operational possibilities during these times compared to daytime operations.

UBO Days 2024

The anticipated UBO days for 2024 are:

  • June 7
  • June 8
  • June 9
  • June 21
  • June 22
  • June 23
  • July 12
  • July 13
  • July 14
  • August 23
  • August 24
  • August 25

Noise Forecasts

A calculation formula is used for noise forecasts, taking multiple factors into account. For instance, every passage past the monitoring point/microphone contributes to the total measured noise production. By inputting the number of cars, the race distance (i.e., the number of laps), and the noise production per vehicle into the model, an estimate can be made of how much a specific race will consume from the available daily noise limit. This allows event planners to create a daily program by adjusting various variables.

For more information about noise restrictions, possibilities for organizing an event within the noise limits, an explanation of the current noise permit, or an example calculation, please contact us at info@circuitzandvoort.nl. We are happy to assist with additional information.

Complaints

If you have any complaints about the noise produced, please contact us at info@circuitzandvoort.nl.

Partners from Circuit Zandvoort

More about our partners