WRITTEN QUESTION No. 83/99 by Anita POLLACK Environmental impact of motorcycles
Date: 1999-01-27
Institutions: European Parliament, POLLACK
Subjects: air quality, comparative study, cycle and motorcycle industry, energy consumption, environmental impact, motor car, motor vehicle, noise pollution, road traffic, two-wheeled vehicle

C 325/66

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

12.11.1999

There is at present no register of contaminated land or sites at Community level. However, the Topic centre on
soil, which is part of the EEA system set up by Council Regulation (EEC) 1210/90 of 7 May 1990 on the
establishment of the European environment agency and the European environment information and
observation network (1), is planning to carry out this work in the next two years in order to improve the
level of reliable information under existing national programmes enabling the collection of comparable
information at the European level. This could be the basis for a broader assessment of the extent of
contaminated land, the level of contamination and the extent of remediation being achieved, as well as an
evaluation of whether further action is needed.

This activity will be carried out in collaboration with the Environment institute of the Joint research centre in
Ispra, which will contribute, in particular, to the development of indicators of contaminated sites in Europe.

(1) OJ L 120, 11.5.1990.

(1999/C 325/082)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0083/99

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(27 January 1999)

Subject: Environmental impact of motorcycles

Will the Commission undertake a study of the environmental impact of motorcycles as compared to cars a
study which should include energy and the materials used in production, the use of land [roads, car parks],
congestion, noise and recycling?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(24 March 1999)

The Commission does not have any plans at present to carry out a general comparative analysis of all the
environmental effects of motorcycles and cars.

Depending on the environmental impact in question motorcycles may be more or less environmentally
harmful than cars. For example, whilst motorcycles consume less energy and road space, they can produce
higher emissions of certain pollutants and can create noise problems. Noise nuisance is often more a result of
bad driver behaviour and maintenance than construction and design.

As far as air quality impacts are concerned, the scope further to reduce emissions from motorcycles will be
considered in the framework of the Auto-Oil II programme which compares the potential of different
abatement options to achieve Community air quality objectives. The Commission intends to present a
proposal in relation to motorcycle emissions by the end of 1999.

In relation to noise, Directive 97/24/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 1997 on certain
components and characteristics of two or three-wheel motor vehicles (1) contains the most recent reductions
to be achieved.

Motorcycles will continue to be an important element in the transport system of the Community alongside
other modes of transport.

(1) OJ L 226, 18.8.1997.

(1999/C 325/083)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0084/99

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(27 January 1999)

Subject: Environment aid granted to Indonesia

What environmental and social conditions does the Commission attach to bilateral aid granted to Indonesia?