Description of a method of comparing traffic noise on different road surfaces for various compositions of road traffic for the purpose of evaluating different road surface types. Sound levels representing either light or heavy vehicles at selected speeds are assigned to a certain road surface. The method is applicable to traffic travelling at constant speed, i.e. free-flowing conditions at posted speeds of 50 km/h and upwards. For other driving conditions where traffic is not free-flowing, such as at junctions and where the traffic is congested, the road surface is of less importance.