WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1144/96 by Mark WATTS to the Commission. Reducing noise pollution on M20 motorway - Kent
Date: 1996-05-03
Institutions: European Parliament, WATTS
Subjects: EU financing, European standard, South East (England), environmental impact, impact study, motorway, noise pollution, noise protection, research programme, technical standard













EUR-Lex - 91996E1144 - EN






Avis juridique important




|



91996E1144

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1144/96 by Mark WATTS to the Commission. Reducing noise pollution on M20 motorway - Kent  


Official Journal C 322 , 28/10/1996 P. 0034 





WRITTEN QUESTION P-1144/96 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (3 May 1996)Subject: Reducing noise pollution on M20 motorway - KentThe opening of the final section of the M20 motorway between Maidstone and Ashford in Kent, partly funded by the EU, has caused concern to residents in the area. The impact from the noise intrusion has been considerable, affecting their lifestyle and blighting their properties.The finished road surface is brushed concrete which is noisier in use than other surfaces such as porous asphalt. The original forecast noise levels set for the design were much lower than has been found in practice. Consequently, no physical noise attenuation measures such as roadside barriers or mounds could be installed, although double glazing has since been offered. This does not afford protection to the wider environment such as gardens or open spaces, is not effective in the summer, and was not offered to all affected households.Given that the EU part-funded this road, and given its statute as part of the Trans-European Network, will the Commissioner examine this problem and give consideration to making funds available to combat this particular form of road noise pollution?Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (7 June 1996)On the question relating to standards for road construction to mitigate noise, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-403/96 from Mr Megahy ((OJ C 217, 26.7.1996. )). The Commission would highlight in particular that, under its fourth framework programme for research, it is undertaking research on road design and construction techniques which may form the basis of future standards. Noise generation cases are part of that programme.Where Community financing is concerned, the M20 project has benefitted from Community financial support under the transport infrastructure programmes 1986 and 1989 (9 MECU in 1986 and 2.8 MECU in 1989 for the construction of the Maidstone-Ashford section).As the Honourable Member knows, under the Regulation laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in trans-European networks ((Council Regulation (EC) n° 2236/95, OJ L 228, 23.9.1995. )), the financial support may take the form of feasibility studies, loan guarantees, interest rate subsidies and, exceptionally, direct grants to investments. Support is chiefly intended to overcome any financial obstacles which may arise during the start-up phase of a trans-European network project. The cost of noise and other environmental mitigation works can be considered for support under this Regulation if they form part of a new or upgraded project.