Keep the noise down
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Noisy trucks are being targeted in proposals that the EC likens to Euro-5 and Euro-6 regulations for engine emissions.
The proposals from the EC would require manufacturers of LGVs and other vehicles to meet specified decibel sound levels once these are agreed by MEPS. The regulation will also require that buyers are provided with sound levels at the time of purchase. “The provision of information to fleet managers and consumers may influence the transition to a quieter vehicle fleet,” says an EC spokesman.
The proposal was considered last month by the parliament’s environment committee.
“There would be a new testing method for measuring the sound level and new noise limit values for light, medium and heavy vehicles,” says MEP Miroslav Ouzky, the rapporteur (sponsor) for the proposal. “I recognise that vehicle noise has multiple sources including the engine, tyres, road surface and aerodynamic noise.” Ouzky believes there should be incentives for manufacturing and buying quieter vehicles, as well as a noise emissions labelling scheme. Opinions will be sought from other committees, including transport, before a vote in parliament. The EC compares the proposal to the type approval regulation that governs Euro-5 and Euro-6 engine emissions.