Traffic noise is the second-biggest environmental factor affecting Europeans’ health after air pollution.
Almost half of EU citizens are regularly exposed to road traffic noise over the level that the World Health Organisation considers to pose a serious risk to health. Noise pollution has been linked to 50,000 fatal heart attacks every year in Europe. This briefing outlines the European Commission, Parliament and Council positions on a proposal for new vehicle noise standards ahead of a third round of trilogue negotiations on 5 November, 2013. It also outlines T&E’s analysis of the main issues as well as its recommendations for a compromise that avoids legal and technical loopholes.
European cities and civil society groups have warned that accepting lower US car standards will see more dangerous vehicles flood into Europe
Even in electric mode, PHEVs still burn fuel and emit 68g of CO2/km, on average. Their hidden fuel consumption costs the average PHEV driver €500 extr...
New analysis finds long-range plug-in hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles are a diversion on the road to zero emissions.