The A406 North Circular is officially the noisiest road in the entire country.

The UK Noise Association has placed the road in its number one spot, with more than 85,000 cars using it every day.

Thousands of householders' lives are blighted by the carriageway, which travells through some of the most densely populated parts of London.

The A406, which has a section running between Chingford and Walthamstow, had recorded noise levels of between 70 decibels to more than 100.

That is louder than standing on a footbridge over a train (81 decibels); a baby crying from six feet away (90 decibels) and almost the same as a Formula One car passing at speed (110 decibels).

The association's Chief Executive John Stewart said: 'When a property developer is putting up new buildings, it has to install double glazing if the noise is above 68 decibels.

"Our research suggests traffic noise is responsible for 66 per cent of the total noise generated outside homes. That means 32 million UK residents are exposed to between 55 and 75 decibels ona regualr basis - that's pretty loud."

Those living near noisy roads are more likely to suffer ill health.

Deepak Prasher, professor of audiology at the University of London, said: "The trouble is that while you might think you have grown accustomed to sounds, your body hasn't. And even in your sleep, you're reacting to what is going on around you."