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by Les Oldridge AI RTE, AM I MI
Page 206
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Noise (1)
TO many people noise is the curse of this modern age and, let's face it, the motor vehicle is probably the greatest single offender. To many of us the roar of a well-tuned sports engine is music to the ear, but there are many more who think otherwise and in consequence the Motor Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1966 contain legislation to keep noise from vehicles within reasonable limits.
The latest law on the subject is contained in the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 1968 which are operative from July 1 1968. Two attempts to control noise are contained in these Regulations, one dealing with vehicles first registered after April 1 1970 and the other with existing vehicles. In both cases the noise levels which must not be exceeded are specified for vehicles of different types.
The Regulations dealing with new vehicles are of more concern to the manufacturer, I wbuld think, as it will be necessary for him to produce vehicles which comply with the Regulations. Those applying to existing vehicles are naturally of concern to the fleet operator. Certain senior police officers have intimated that the Regulations are not enforceable (CM May 24 1968) and it is obvious that roadside checks made by means of meters are fraught with difficulties It must be remembered, however, that there are several other Regulations which deal with noise and these must also be considered when discussing the subject. Regulation 21 of the Motor Vehicle {Construction and Use) Regulations 1966 requires every motor vehicle fitted with an internal combustion engine to be fitted with a silencer, expansion chamber or other contrivance suitable and sufficient for reducing as far as may be reasonable the noise caused by the escape of the exhaust gases from the engine.
Regulation 81 provides that the silencer, etc., shall be maintained in good and efficient working order and not altered in any way so that the noise is made greater by the altera
tion. Offences against this Regulation may arise in several ways. The most common is where the silencer or exhaust pipes corrode until eventually a split or hole appears in the system through which the exhaust gases escape without being properly silenced. A similar position arises when the system is accidentally damaged by boulders and the like when travelling on rough or unmade roads. The latter part of the Regulation which deals with the deliberate altering of the silencer is not likely to affect the commercial vehicle operator but rather the young blood who is trying to get a "sporty" note from the exhaust.
These Regulations, however, are not only concerned,with exhaust noises and I will deal with other aspects next week.