New EU vehicle noise limits
This briefing gives an overview of T&E's views on new noise emission limits for road vehicles, proposed by the European Commission in December 2011.
Publications
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), noise is second only to air pollution in the impact it has on health. It is a major cause, not only of hearing loss, but also of heart disease, learning problems in children and sleep disturbance. Yet traffic noise could easily be halved, with existing technology, if more stringent limits were adopted. T&E is working at the EU and global level for tighter restrictions on sources of transport noise including cars, lorries and trains.
Reduction of vehicle noise emissions - Technological potential and impacts
New EU vehicle noise limits
This two page briefing examines the EU's proposal to revise vehicle noise standards, with T&E's suggestions for how they could be improved to better protect health.
Revision of EU rail noise standards (TSI) - Input to the ERA Working Party TSI Noise
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.
German government proposal on vehicle noise to the UNECE
Germany will present a proposal for international vehicle noise standards at the next UNECE noise meeting on 19-21 September 2011. The German proposal would create some important loopholes, which means significant action will not be asked of the worst offenders: heavy lorries and high-powered cars.
Quiet Please - Better Health through Strong EU Regulation of Road and Rail Traffic Noise
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.
How the motor industry hijacked regulation of vehicle noise
Noise emissions from motor vehicles are regulated by the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), a body of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), based in Geneva.
Tyre Labelling
Tyre standards: addressing safety, climate change and noise
Background briefing on the EC proposal for Tyres in Type-approval Requirements for the General Safety of Motor Vehicles COD 2008/100
Tyre labelling for energy-efficient and quieter road transport
Tyre labelling for energy-efficient and quieter road transport: Response to the consultation document to support the European Commission workshop on outline proposals for energy labelling of tyres