WRITTEN QUESTION E-3776/00

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(4 December 2000)

Subject: Noise levels of motor vehicles

Directives 70/157/EEC(1), 78/1015/EEC(2) and 97/24/EEC(3) set a series of noise limits that type-approved motor vehicles must not exceed. These fixed levels are based on use of the dynamic testing method, which is carried out when the vehicle is in motion. The use of this method makes it difficult for the bodies responsible for monitoring the noise levels of vehicles, (in Spain the local police and centres for the technical inspection of vehicles), since very specific facilities are required, including asphalt, an area without reflective surfaces (buildings), enough space to enable the vehicle to be driven at considerable speed, etc. Practically all of the bodies responsible for monitoring vehicle noise levels lack these facilities.

However, the directives mentioned above also refer to an alternative way of measuring noise, the stationary method, which is carried out when the vehicle is not moving. This is a much simpler and more practical method (it can be carried out on the spot) and, under the right conditions, can be carried out by any person with the necessary equipment. The difficulty lies in that for this method, the texts do not state the maximum limits, although they do state that the levels set out in vehicles' type-approval documents must not be exceeded.

The problem is that the persons responsible for checking the noise level of vehicles do not have access to the type-approval documents and thus to the noise levels contained therein to enable them to use the stationary method. The lack of information concerning the stationary method, combined with the obstacles to use of the dynamic method means that there is no monitoring of the levels of noise emitted by vehicles.

In view of the fact that the main source of urban noise is traffic, and that certain vehicles which are extremely noisy, but which are difficult to monitor for the reasons stated above, have an obvious impact on the level of urban noise, will the Commission state the admissible noise levels for the stationary method?

Is there a database containing noise levels measured using the stationary method, figures which should appear in vehicles' type-approval documents? Does the Commission intend to make available this kind of information, in accordance with the principle of the maximum level of transparency and of the right to information of EU citizens?

(1) OJ L 42, 23.2.1970, p. 16.

(2) OJ L 349, 13.12.1978, p. 21.

(3) OJ L 226, 18.8.1997, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(26 January 2001)

European Directives concerning the limitation of noise from road vehicles comprise two testing methods, namely a dynamic full throttle test and a stationary test. Limit values in terms of dB(A) are associated with the dynamic test method in order to ensure that new vehicles appearing on the road have an acceptable noise level. In this respect, the Commission is of the opinion that the control of the noise levels of new vehicles is adequately covered by the dynamic testing method.

The stationary method is indeed intended to enable subsequent checks on vehicles in use, by comparing the measured value in use with the result of the stationary test during type-approval. The results of the stationary test are included in the type approval documents. These type approval documents are distributed to all Member States by the Member State issuing the Community type approval. On the basis of this information, each Member State has the opportunity to set up a database of noise levels of all marketed vehicles for the purpose of checks in use. Some Member States have already put in place such a database, which is indeed a very useful tool for enforcing acceptable noise levels on the road. Additionally, since the entering into force of Council Directive 92/53/EEC of 18 June 1992 amending Directive 70/156/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers(1) for passenger cars and heavy duty vehicles and Council Directive 92/61/EEC of 30 June 1992 relating to the type-approval of two or three-wheel motor vehicles for two- and three-wheelers the result of the stationary test is also included in the certificate of conformity that accompanies each vehicle. With this information, law enforcement authorities of the Member States that require these certificates to be kept in the vehicle, have the necessary information readily available in order to fully assess in use noise requirements.

(1) OJ L 225, 10.8.1992.