Describes a method of comparing traffic noise on different road surfaces for various compositions of road traffic to evaluate different road surface types. Sound levels that represent either light or heavy vehicles at selected speeds are assigned to a certain road surface. Method applies to traffic travelling at constant speed, i.e. free-flowing conditions at posted speeds of 50 km/h and more. Where traffic is not free-flowing, such as junctions and where traffic is congested, the road surface is less important.