The Institute of Acoustics has responded to the Civil Aviation Authority’s call for evidence on Consumer Environmental Information (CAP 2395), which sought views on what environmental information should be provided to people when they are looking for and booking flights, to enable them to make informed choices about travel options.  Introducing the consultation, paragraph 1.2 states  “One of the other environmental impacts of aviation is noise, particularly during take-off and landing.

The UK government has issued a new consultation on night flights, looking at  noise objectives for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. In a press statement from the Department for Transport and Aviation Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton, they state the purpose of the consultation is to ensure that the impact of night flights at these airports does not outwiegh the positive impacts they bring to the wider economy. They also state that aircraft are becoming quieter as technology advances, with this trend expected to continue.

New guidance providing practitioners, developers, operators and local authorities with guidance on a recommended approach for the location of gyms, fitness and exercise spaces to avoid noise and vibration impacts is now available to download. This Professional Practice Guidance on Gym Acoustics (ProPG) has been produced through collaboration between the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC), IOA and CIEH.

This morning members of the IOA gave evidence to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, as their enquiry into the effects of noise on human health continues, with a session focussing on policy. A panel made up of Stephen Turner, Immediate Past President, Peter Rogers, Chair of the Parliamentary Liaison Group, Paul Mucullogh member of CIEH and Somayya Yaqub, member of CIEH answered questions from the committee. When asked how they thought noise is currently prioritised in policy - answers ranged from five to seven out of 10.

Following a communication sent by London Southbank University on 16th March 2023 announcing their intention to pause the taught element of the Level 4 Acoustics Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, the Trailblazer Group has been working tirelessly to identify a new provider.

The IOA is pleased to see the Department for Transport DfT considering measures to tackle excessively noisy vehicles and consulting on potentially introducing an exhaust noise test into the MOT. In responding to their consultation Changes to the date of the first MOT test and Research into other MOT enhancements, we have advised on a number of points. These include that data from trials of measuring exhaust noise in an MOT centre should be compared to equivalent data recorded in a quiet free-field environment.  This will enable the impact of background sound and reflecting surfaces

The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill 2023 has now been introduced in the Welsh Parliament.  The Bill proposes an obligation to introduce a national soundscapes strategy, making Wales the first UK nation to do this. The strategy, when introduced, must include policies for assessing and reducing levels of noise pollution. By including soundscapes within this Bill,  the Welsh Government is following their objective to work to align noise, soundscape and air quality policy.

Government ministers have published an action plan for speeding up major developments including offshore windfarms and transport infrastructure. The announcement on National Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) - which applies to England and Wales - was made in the context of the need to improve energy security, achieve net zero, and deliver effective transport, water and waste management. The ten year old statements covering Energy and National Networks are currently under review. Both of these documents have detailed sections covering noise and vibration impacts.