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European Commission urged to treat noise pollution as a core public health, environmental and productivity issue
European regions and cities are urging the European Commission to treat noise pollution as a core public health and environmental issue that also has a negative impact on productivity and the EU’s competitiveness. In publishing an opinion calling for stronger action on noise, the rapporteur of The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) said:
"Noise pollution remains one of Europe’s most neglected public health and environmental failures. It harms citizens, deepens social inequalities and damages nature, while progress has stalled. The EU must step up: revise the Environmental Noise Directive, set clear EU‑wide targets and align thresholds with WHO guidance. Local and regional authorities stand ready, but they need clear rules, political backing and dedicated funding." the group rapporteur stated
The aim of the proposals is to reach a target set out in the EU's Zero Pollution Action Plan of reducing the number of people chronically disturbed by transport noise by 30% by 2030. Currently policies in the UK administrations - environmental noise mapping and action planning - align with the Environmental Noise Directive.
Regions and cities are asking the European Commission to develop a long-term European strategic agenda, with realistic interim targets aligned with the Zero Pollution objectives, clear guidance for local and regional authorities, and dedicated funding for noise reduction.
They stated the revision of the Environmental Noise Directive should also include provisions to ensure systematic monitoring and reduction of biodiversity impacts resulting from noise pollution, with particular attention to ecologically sensitive areas.
While local and regional authorities play a crucial role in addressing noise pollution, given their responsibilities for spatial planning, housing, transport and the management of public spaces, the opinion points out the need to tackle noise pollution at all levels of government. Scaling down the number of night-time flights, reinforcing the regulation on quieter tyres, coordinating the development of noise cameras and sensors, and preventing deliberate noise-enhancing modifications for vehicles are among the recommendations for the EU and its Member States.
Full opinon Sound Policies: Protecting Citizens and Nature from Noise Pollution | European Committee of the Regions
This week noise proved to be a cross party issue as written questions on noise and health, drones and railways from MPs from three parties were answered
Webinars from last weeks' Noise Action Week - covering noise and health, a day in the life of an acoustician, the impact of electric buses and pubs and clubs best practice now online
New research on travel attitudes in Wales finds no change in number of respondents bothered by noise outside their homes
A report commissioned by the Department for Business and Industrial Strategy to look at assessment of noise from onshore wind farms is now published.
The Welsh Government are consulting on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps(ASHP).
As part of their ongoing enquiry into the impact of airport expansion on climate and nature targets, the Environmental Audit Committee will be taking oral evidence tomorrow - Wednesday May 14th.
The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.
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