The study, published in January 2022, provides an in-depth analysis of how transport-related environmental noise pollution targets can be met.
The effects of noise on health of citizens are related to the frequencies of which it consists, its intensity, duration and repeatability.
Thus, they can be observed from simple discomfort to anxiety, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbance, hypertension, permanent or temporary hearing damage, difficulty speaking, reduction of productivity in the work sector, etc.
Studies have shown that people who live permanently in a noisy environment show increased rates of consumption of antacid drugs, hypnotics and tranquilizers.
Noise is also related to occupational and traffic accidents. In many cases it is the cause of the economic degradation of residential and commercial centers.
As part of the environmental noise reduction policy, the European Commission updated the regulatory framework for vehicle sound emissions.
In 2021, the Commission adopted the EU action plan “Towards zero pollution for air, water and land”. This aims to reduce pollution to levels that are no longer considered harmful to health and natural ecosystems. It includes a set of key targets for 2030 designed to reduce pollution at source. One of them is to reduce the percentage of people chronically exposed to transport noise by 30%.
The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) is committed to the objectives of this action plan. In order to consider how noise pollution from transport can be reduced, ACEA commissioned ATEEL to carry out a study on “Future sound limit values ​​for type approval for M&N category vehicles”.
This study, published in January 2022, provides an in-depth analysis of how targets related to environmental noise burdens related to transport can be met. It examines vehicle type approval values ​​and defines scenarios that investigate the impact and effectiveness of reduced sound limit values ​​in a wide range of environmental conditions. By extension, it also examines the establishment of alternative and complementary measures to reduce environmental noise under real traffic conditions.
The main conclusions of the study:
Reducing the environmental noise burden for European citizens is a long-term process and a clear roadmap has been set out through the Zero Pollution Action Plan.
Given the time it takes for new vehicles to enter the market, environmental noise will continue to decrease, even without further legislation.
THE positive impact of new vehicles can be further increased by additional measures such as low-noise road surfaces, especially for hotspot areas, and the incorporation of other elements such as windows that provide sound and thermal insulation.
THE electromobility it will have a positive effect, but mainly for the noise produced by electric cars.
Reduction of individual event noise sources is required, including consistent control of illegal modifications to vehicles and/or their components and anti-social driving.
Measures that reduce environmental noise should be reflected in environmental noise assessment tools.
RES-EMP
View the news feed and get the latest news.
I have worked in the news industry for over 10 years. I have a vast amount of experience in covering health news. I am also an author at News Bulletin 247. I am highly experienced and knowledgeable in this field. I am a hard worker and always deliver quality work. I am a reliable source of information and always provide accurate information.
