Traffic noise is a serious concern for Europeans, and the EU must act quickly to tackle the issue. That is the call from citizens from several European countries in a video clip published today (1) for International Noise Awareness Day.
The current European Union noise regulations for new or upgraded interoperable rail vehicles came into force in 2002 for high-speed rail and in 2006 for conventional traffic. These standards are known as Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI), and are adopted by Commission Decisions. A comprehensive revision of the Noise TSI is planned for 2013. A working group has been established by the European Railway Agency (ERA) who is leading the revision process, where T&E represents the views of environmental groups. This paper is intended as an input to the working group.
This report summarises the latest evidence of the effect of traffic noise on the health and wellbeing of Europeans, and gives policy recommendations on how to reduce noise.
A half-day event co-organised by Transport & Environment, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) & Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL)
Negotiations on opening up national railway networks to European competition have hit an unexpected setback. EU transport ministers registered opposition to a proposal contained in the revised EU rail package to offer ‘noise bonuses’ for quieter wagons.
Response to the public consultation of the European Commission on a new Action Plan on Urban Mobility
More evidence has emerged about the damage traffic noise can do to people’s health.
Health effects, social costs and technical and policy options to reduce road and rail traffic noise. Report commissioned by T&E from CE Delft.
In this brochure, T&E sets out the problem of traffic noise and what can be gained by seriously tackling it, and recommends the best course of action for the EU to adopt in drafting a new set of tighter noise standards.
Close to half of all Europeans are regularly exposed to traffic noise levels that are potentially dangerous to health, a new study has found.