What’s the problem?
Traffic noise is one of the most widespread environmental problems in the
European Union. Noise interferes with people’s daily activities at school, at
work, at home and during leisure time. It causes sleep disturbance, hearing
damage, even cardiovascular disease; and hinders performance at work and
children’s learning (1). Studies have revealed that fifty thousand deaths (2)
and approaching a quarter of a million cases of cardiovascular disease every
year in Europe are linked to traffic noise. For the first time, noise has also
been linked to an increased stroke risk: in Denmark, 5% of all stroke cases are
caused by traffic noise (3).
In terms of the burden on health, environmental noise is second only to air
pollution according to the World Health Organisation. Noise standards for road
vehicles have not been updated for 20 years and had little impact on noise levels
adjacent to roads. Improved standards are long overdue but the current proposal
fails to adequately deliver the health benefits and cost-savings that are
possible by reducing noise from vehicles at the source. Proposed amendments by
the motor industry would significantly weaken the inadequate proposals of the
Commission. With the 6 EU Environment Action Programme and the EU Environmental
Noise Directive (4), the European Parliament and the Member States have agreed
to reduce noise. A more effective implementation of the vehicle noise standards
would provide a significant opportunity to improve the health and quality of
life of EU citizens.
What are the benefits of
reducing vehicle noise?
Cutting road noise levels by just 3 decibels is equivalent to halving the
level of traffic. This change would deliver a major improvement in the health
and quality of life of the vast majority of European citizens who live in towns
and cities or near major roads. A 3 decibel reduction is quickly and easily
achievable through technologies already readily available to
Briefing New EU vehicle noise limits car and truck manufacturers.
Nearly 1 in 4 of the cars and 1 in 3 of the light trucks tested over the past 5
years already meet the strictest standards proposed by the Commission.
Failing to tackle noise from vehicles at source requires national
governments, local authorities and homeowners to install noise barriers or
sound insulation to homes and public buildings. Quieter vehicles reduce the
need for expensive noise abatement and would increase property values, since
homes in noisy areas are less attractive to potential buyers.
What will the new regulation involve?
Noise limit values will
ultimately be decreased by 4 dB(A) for passenger cars, vans, buses and coaches
and for trucks by 3 dB(A).
The Commission points out
that despite increasing traffic, noise emissions limits for vehicles have not
changed since 1996. Following the vote, limit values will be decreased in 3 steps and will the full reductions enforced in 10-12 years.
In addition, a new and more representative test method to measure sound emissions will ensure that the sound level of vehicles under street driving conditions does not differ from the type-approval test results.
Finally it is proposed that electric and hybrid electric vehicles be fitted with sound generating devices which would make these cars safer for pedestrians/visually impaired persons-
Read more at :
http://www.neurope.eu/article/parliament-votes-decrease-vehicle-noise
http://www.transportenvironment.org/publications/new-eu-vehicle-noise-limits-0
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