EU proposes to reduce vehicle noise levels
The European Commission proposed today to reduce noise produced by cars, vans, buses, coaches, light and heavy trucks.
Noise limit values will be lowered in two steps of each 2 dB(A) for passenger cars, vans, buses and coaches. For trucks the reduction would be 1 dB(A) in the first step and 2 dB(A) in the second step. The first step is to apply two years after the publication of the text once approved by the European Parliament and Member States and the second step is foreseen three years thereafter.
"Altogether, these measures will reduce vehicle noise nuisance by some 25%," the commission said.
In addition, the Commission intends to introduce a new and more reliable test method to measure sound emissions.
The commission has also proposed that electric and hybrid electric vehicles can be fitted optionally with sound generating devices which would make these cars safer.
Noise emissions limits have not changed since 1996 despite increasing traffic.
Vice-President Antonio Tajani, responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship said: "Noise emissions due to road traffic, from which our citizens are suffering, will be significantly reduced. Our proposal will lead to quieter motor vehicles on our roads and a healthier environment. Our proposal will also make international rules for industry clearer, so it will be easier for European manufacturers to sell cars outside the EU".
More information at:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/automotive/environment/noise/index_en.htm
The European Commission's automotive policy:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/automotive/index_en.htm
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Raymond Cutajar
Dec 13th 2011, 10:22
Spot on Mr J Fenech - unfortunately so much is kept for public knowledge , besides could you please phone me at your conv.the post's editor can give you my phone number
John Fenech
Dec 13th 2011, 09:07
It is commendable that the EU Noise commission acknowledge that noise is a hazard but unfortunately the Member states most of the time only pay lip service to these noise directives which are meant to regulate noise pollution.
For instance Directive 70/157EEC and Directive 70 /156 so far have not been transposed into our law. Directive 70/157 regulates the type of exhaust system, while Directive 70/156 regulates the type of vehicle on the market and most important - the permissible noise level of the vehicle – which is between 74 and 80 dB (A).
On the other hand the Malta Vehicle Roadworthiness Test permissible exhaust noise level is between 100 and 119(dB (A)!!
Furthermore the intention of the EU is to reduce the above Vehicle noise level by a further 25% - will the local authorities take heed or keep dragging their collective feet!
NASoM
Joseph Portelli
Dec 13th 2011, 08:37
Il-membri tal-parlament ewropew maltin kellhom bzonn jaraw x'jamlu anke dwar l-istorbju tal-qniepen mill-knejjes li aw ma kullimkien. daqq ta qniepen minn filodu kmieni. ikun adu d-dlam u l-lejl kollu arloggi idoqqu kull kwarta. ghawdex hekk ghaddejjin - nimmagina li anke malta. Trid tohrog policy li minn inzul ix-xemx sa tluh ix-xemx ma ikunx emm daqq ta' qniepen; u dawk l-arloggi li llum adda zmienhom, ax illum kulhadd andu arlogg id-dar jieqfu darba al dejjem, almenu mal-lejl!!!
Ray Galea
Dec 13th 2011, 06:32
Most seem to be unable to distinguish between something illegal and something regulated by means of a tax. Cars that are excessivly noisy are illegal just like cars without seat belts. They should be stopped and booked or removed on the spot. If you're going to tax it, it means that you are regulating it and not abolishing it. In other words, you can still drive a noisy engine as long as you can pay the additional tax. And this is where I start having trouble with any kind of control measure proposed in this manner. It does not address the principle but is simply a means of generating state revenue. How can you tax something that is already illegal ? If you tax it, you are automatically saying that noisy cars are actually legal but cost more. Smoking is a classic example - it's not the hike in excise duty that stops one from smoking in public places but good law enforcement. Smoking in itself is actually on the rise and that I suspect is good news for Governments.
Alex Ellul
Dec 13th 2011, 00:42
How about booking all those car owners that install stereos in their cars having sound blasters for speakers, that go boom boom boom, while vibrating the neighbourhood into a frenzy and simulating a minor earthquake too? Let's start withthe basics. fter all, even if the engine is not running at all and therefore copletly silent, witht he sound system on full blast, its already an ear-drum splitter. Ban loud music and book the owners.
Victor Vella
Dec 13th 2011, 00:01
It is better for the EU to give attention how to save the euro and to solve the problems that we are in. If the euro collapses we hear no more noise pollution of cars instead we hear the brays of donkeys and we go back 80 years from now.
George Cauchi
Dec 12th 2011, 20:14
I can see now the next scheme to be launched in the next budget. Perhaps not since we are now going to produce balanced budgets : ))
George Sinagra
Dec 12th 2011, 19:59
Best news by far to residents of Triq Luq and Triq10 Ta Settembru 1797 Żabbar.Coupled with the noise created by the near by scrap metal yard noise level is too much to take in.
Joe Naudi
Dec 13th 2011, 06:35
I agree with you. I life in Sliema and the noise of cars, buses, and vans is constant all day long, day and night, and it is as you say too much to take in, it would be good news for sliema too, noise reduction is needed immediately. Too much noise can drive someone crazy. Joe Paul
K. Vella
Dec 12th 2011, 19:53
What about the second hand trucks arriving from UK!?! We have reduced the old bus fumes but one needs to look at the heavy trucks and not sure if any VRT tests are taken place.
FRANS H SAID
Dec 12th 2011, 19:20
When will the cars in Malta ever be able to reduce noise? We keep on inundating the roads with foreign junk that will take at least 20 years to be put off the road.
Our roads are the best example of junk and obsolete cars.
James Dewar
Dec 12th 2011, 23:06
Not any more it seems, unfortunately so, for we tourists who loved the ancient well preserved classic cars, lorries and buses on Maltese roads selfishly, with little or no thought for how they affected the local population!
Neville Roberts
Dec 12th 2011, 19:15
Great news, Extra tax for all the idiots out there, and there are thousands of them in Malta, that have to have a big bore exhaust and tail pipes on their cars. Even silly little cars are adorned with these ridiculous add ons!
F. Pisani
Dec 12th 2011, 19:12
I agree. noisy cars are for show offs. i cannot stand very noisy bike and muffled up exhaust pipes. but i cannot stand the fact to give up on cars. cars mean freedom and more mobility. way should be found to save the car and respect the environment more. exploration on hydrogen cars should be developed more. the are silent, practical and zero emotions. eco lovers will love them. make some research and you will love them.
Nazzareno Cortis
Dec 12th 2011, 19:08
What about noises during summer of Maltese FEASTS??????
V Mercieca
Dec 12th 2011, 19:48
Mr Cortis
I am afraid we have to lump it.
I wrote to the EU Commission some months ago and their reply was that this is something that the local government has to look into.
The local government is doing nothing.
I live in a location where the fireworks are let off in the valley in front of my house and know very well what noise is and in addition also what a blast is.
F. Pisani
Dec 13th 2011, 00:29
i am sorry, if you hate feasts, than you hate tradition, and by matter of fact feast last only a week per year for every village. and with all the respect the Eu commission has no power on local traditions not only on this country but to every country around Europe. i am sorry mate but your in the wrong country for this complaint.
And another thing Mr/Mrs V Merieca, who was first to live or act in the place indicated, the fire works or you living there? if Fire Works were there before you were living there you know the consequences.
James Dewar
Dec 13th 2011, 00:48
Are they not historical religous / cultural events to be enjoyed by all? Or is that purely from a tourist's perspective!?
John Dee
Dec 12th 2011, 19:08
Then all we need is someone who will enforce the new laws!
James Dewar
Dec 13th 2011, 00:45
Good point! However, if enforcement standards of other traffic related laws are anything to go by you may be waiting for some time!
Joe Naudi
Dec 13th 2011, 06:41
Hi I agree with you. We have many laws in Malta but noone observes them, one complains to the local council about anything like example street cleaning or noise and they don't do anything at all. If we enfoce the LAWS that exist than we can live a Better and Healthier Life. Joe Paul
Charles Sammut
Dec 12th 2011, 18:23
"The commission has also proposed that electric and hybrid electric vehicles can be fitted optionally with sound generating devices which would make these cars safer."
You can't win with these nuts can you? If it's quiet they want to make it noisy; if it's noisy they want to make it quiet. I can understand that useless bureaucrats have a right to be inventive to justify their miserable existence, but this is abusing that right!
Martin Saliba
Dec 12th 2011, 18:21
Dose this mean that arriva will have to change att the a/c units on is buses ?
Andreas Moser
Dec 12th 2011, 18:16
Why can't more people use a bicycle? Malta is a sunny and small island, perfect for cycling and for busses for the somewhat longer journeys.
I have a much happier life since I gave up on cars: http://andreasmoser.wordpress.com/2010/10/02/car-free-by-choice/
Ray Galea
Dec 12th 2011, 19:03
I reckon you don't have wife, kids and elderly parents who enjoy going out once in a while.
Robert Agius
Dec 12th 2011, 19:42
Ray, using a bicycle does not necessarily mean not owning a car. Just using it less. But since you assume I will also assume that you are just lazy. :P
Emma Xerri
Dec 12th 2011, 20:38
Not to mention the hundred if not thousands of euros that you will save. But Malta is unsafe for most bicycle riders. Government should look into creating bicycle lanes. Saves people money, reduce noise and pollution and get exercise too.
By the way, no matter how bad the weather or the distance , I boycotted personal car transport years ago, both for financial and environmental reasons and managed to hold down jobs on both continents. The idea of one car for one person is ridiculous and a waste of earth's resources. Sure it is harder if you have children but a little thinking outside the box will solve that. I reckon I have saved thousdands of euros in car purchases, petrol, repairs, typres and insurance over the years. Even taking the occasional taxi does not break the bank.
Come to think of it, this is enough reason for governments not to support bicycles or decent public transport - after all they would not want to hurt the bottom line of their campaign supporters, the business and corporate elite that get them elected.
Mario Sammut
Dec 13th 2011, 07:23
Sorry Andreas , but the Maltese really really need their cars to drive up the stairs to the classroom so that their kids will not walk a few blocks to school you see . Also they need their car so that they go shopping with their children , parents , dogs and cats ,uncles and aunties in tow . Do not forget my dear friend , that in rich Malta , the car is a status symbol , just look at our poor youths , driving along our roads in their gleamy BMW;s , MERCS , PAJEROS and the latest their poor parents could afford . So , we will have to put up with all this noise for a while longer my friend , and the pollution . As a final note . It amazes me how the poor Maltese relentlessly complain about the Electricity and Water bills , which they used to acquire in one way or another for free , off the back of us taxpayers , and yet hardly a whimper about the rise of car fuel , which goes up every month . You see , the gas guzzling car is more important in their lives than their own home .
Dirty Harry
Dec 12th 2011, 18:14
The commissions should pay a visit to Gozo mainly the little village before the ferry, Kalla, or something, we stayed in a farmhouse in that area, and all we could hear 24x7 is the sound and noise of some idiot on a motorbike going up and down the road, my guess is to annoy us Brits. This guy sounded as if h is flying an f-16 fighter plane. the Decibiles is well over the legal level. The usual whingers.
Mr Danny Apap
Dec 12th 2011, 18:13
The EU Nations going broke and this guy came up with more expense! Were is he going to get the money to pay for all of this? Yes you guessed it more TAX
M Cassar
Dec 12th 2011, 18:02
Will this address those who use the car exhuast system as an extension of their ego? No, we need enforcement on the road for that! I would be impressed if I didn't jump out of my skin most times I venture to walk along triq Drumblat aka Formula 1 race track!!
Jeffrey Mallia
Dec 12th 2011, 17:39
I smell another tax on vehicles !!
J. Debono
Dec 12th 2011, 18:13
Yeah, a tax I do not intend to pay!
I agree with this what you call tax, especially, when a car with no silencer passes at midnight under my balcony.
Get a life! This is for your and mine benefit.
Ray Galea
Dec 12th 2011, 17:26
I smell another tax coming. Cars are easy targets and an excellent source of state revenues. Soon it will be a case that you can't do without one but you can't afford to keep one either. No mention of motorbikes which might be a hint to those who are in the average to low income brackets.I always wondered why the environmentalist lobbies, who are in the main middle and working classes, take so much pleasure from such measures when it will be them who will ultimately get punished. You will only afford a bike and a bus fare in a few years time when the priviliged can still enjoy their new Merc but with much less traffic on the roads !
Mr John Borg
Dec 12th 2011, 16:59
You first have to start by enforcement. Start by all those drivers who have their exhuast pipes modified to actually MAKE NOISE! Those cars which you think are super cars travelling at the speed of light only to realise that its a crappy Japanese import with a 1 litre engine but a massive exhaust pipe
Ramon Casha
Dec 12th 2011, 16:57
Locally, the biggest problems with vehicle noise are:
1. Extra-loud sound systems thumping with enough power to rattle doors and windows.
2. Car or motorcycle "silencers" specially modified to make more noise.
3. Loud horns, mostly used by delivery vehicles. Gas delivery trucks in particular seem to have extra loud horns.
4. Gratings, manhole covers etc. which make a loud noise whenever a vehicle passes over them.
In short, most of the vehicular noise (except the last one) is intentional. I think the authorities need to address these issues. Start by setting a maximum decibel level, setting significant fines, and equipping the police with the equipment to measure noise.
Ivor Ramsden
Dec 12th 2011, 16:53
Whilst this is in principle a good idea it won't control the noises emitted by cars which accelerate everywhere at high revs or high-powered car audio systems, will it?
Edward Mallia
Dec 12th 2011, 16:50
The EU cannot reduce our noise levels. It does not know what they are as we are still measuring them.
Josephine Muscat
Dec 12th 2011, 18:16
it is to be noted that through parameters provided under EU legislation not even our airport needs to be tested for noise factor because it has a traffic of less then 5million passengers yearly......let alone other roads , major roads, or other areas which to many seem to be the noisiest places in Malta. However on a positive note even MEPA has noted that EU Directives should not be'a one size fits all', and is taking action over this'noise issue'
Dee Williams
Dec 12th 2011, 16:32
Best you inform all the " Michael Shumachers" then who roar round our streets, after taking the baffles out of the exhaust or have a big bore exhaust ...
Alfred Vassallo
Dec 12th 2011, 16:31
I think for Malta they have to introduce a special formula for car exhaust noise level.
C Cassar
Dec 12th 2011, 16:18
This needs to be retrospectively applied to all vehicles. Give owners 2 years to comply, make the cost VAT free and confiscate any vehicles after the two year period and scrap them.