Car noise

The European Parliament's environment committee today voted on proposals to revise EU rules on noise from vehicles. While the Greens were in favour of even tougher rules, the outcome of vote would strengthen current regulations, albeit with certain loopholes. After the vote, Green environment spokesperson Satu Hassi (MEP, Finland) said:

"MEPs have today voted to muffle vehicle noise. While the Greens believe tougher rules would be eminently possible for carmakers and clearly in the interest public health, today's outcome on noise limit values is nonetheless welcome, given the background of intense lobbying from noisy car makers.

"While tougher decibel limits on vehicle noise are possible within a shorter time frame, today's vote took a timid step in the right direction towards quieter roads. Thankfully, the infamous 'Porsche amendment', which would have weakened existing noise limit values, which have been in place for 15 years, was not passed.

"Regrettably, the committee also adopted some questionable exemptions and amendments weakening the testing procedures. Hopefully, these loopholes will be removed when the legislation is voted by MEPs as a whole in plenary."