Abstract
Few studies have applied stated preference methods to the valuation of noise. This paper draws upon the experiences of three studies which have estimated willingness to pay for reductions in road traffic and aircraft noise. Such valuations can be used in the economic appraisal of infrastructure and operating decisions using social cost benefit analysis. The emphasis is upon methodological issues. In particular, this papers covers: the insights obtained by the three studies into the presentation of noise in a survey setting; whether marginal valuations depend on the size and sign of the change in noise levels and the noise level from which variations occur; the impact of socio-economic variables on valuations; and the comparison of the valuations obtained using stated preference methods with those derived using the contingent valuation method.