Noise checks starting now
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• Although regulations for roadside noise checks officially come into force next Monday a Ministry of Transport notice makes it clear that they will not "bite" until July is out.
To help drivers doubtful whether their vehicles will comply with the new Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 1968 (No. 362), HMSO price Is 6d. the Ministry has this week been holding a series of "dummy runs" in the Metropolitan traffic area. Vehicles exceeding the noise limits are stopped and the drivers advised—but without fear of prosecution.
A further series of advisory checks on off-road sites is also planned for the period July 1 to August 2. Thereafter roadside checks will be resumed under the regulations.
For heavy goods vehicles the new standard of noise which must not be exceeded is 92dB; it also applies to buses, coaches and agricultural vehicles. For light goods vehicles the level is 88dB. The maximum fine for a first offence will be £50.
The noise measured is the total noise —from engine, exhaust, transmission, bodywork and load.
More stringent standards are to be introduced for vehicles first registered on or after April 11970.