91997E3023

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3023/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (1 October 1997)

Subject: Future Noise Policy (Green Paper)

The Commission's proposal to draw up a framework directive on measuring and assessing exposure to noise, set out in its green paper on future noise policy (COM(96) 540 final), is welcome; however, its announcement that it will establish the target values and measures to enforce them 'for a later stage' is disappointing.

On the basis of the principle of prevention, these target values are needed for the priority area of noise abatement and the Commission is therefore asked not to delay in defining them.

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3023/97, E-3024/97, E-3025/97, E-3026/97, E-3027/97 and E-3028/97 given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (5 November 1997)

The Commission has become highly aware of the various topics mentioned by the Honourable Member.

On the basis of several opinions delivered after publication of the Green Paper on noise and in particular on the Resolution adopted by Parliament, the Commission is currently putting the final touches to the future activities concerned in the fight against noise. It is intended that these activities will form part of a consistent, realistic programme. One of the key aspects of this programme will of course be coordination and consultation of the various operators involved in the problems arising from noise. The Commission does not plan to give preference to any particular measure. Balanced utilisation of the various instruments available is planned. The Commission does not intend to replace the setting of emission standards by economic incentives. In addition the Commission will also take care to avoid any options which would cause a shift in traffic towards transport modes which might have a greater impact on the environment.

Finally, the setting of targets is an essential prerequisite for action against noise. The Commission is currently analysing the various possible options as regards the definition and setting of those targets.