A recent study by the German Federal Environment Agency has found that many new cars and motorcycles are unnecessarily loud and contribute significantly to noise pollution. The experts suggest that vehicles should be as quiet as possible to protect the health and nerves of everyone. Researchers from the agency found that many new vehicles are excessively loud outside of urban areas, despite meeting current approval regulations. The noise is achieved through flaps and even speakers in the exhaust system. The President of the Federal Environment Agency, Dirk Messner, criticized the lack of consideration for noise reduction and the impact on citizens. He called for a legal obligation for manufacturers to build vehicles as quietly as possible, using the latest technology. The study primarily focused on sports cars and motorcycles, which are known for their loud sound under both test and real-world conditions. The agency also criticized the international noise approval regulations, which are inadequate in preventing extreme noise emissions on the road. The agency is calling for an expansion of the regulations to limit vehicle noise during slow driving, urban driving, and driving outside of urban areas.
A recent survey conducted in Germany in mid-August highlights the problem of traffic-related noise pollution. A large majority of respondents supported at least temporary bans on loud motorcycles, but the Federal Minister of Transport, Andreas Scheuer, rejected the idea despite public opinion. The Federal Environment Agency’s study emphasizes the need for manufacturers to prioritize noise reduction in their vehicles to protect public health and well-being. The agency’s call for expanded regulations to limit vehicle noise is a step towards reducing noise pollution and improving the quality of life for citizens.
