John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 526: To ask the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to deal with noise pollution emanating from private vehicles with modified engines and exhaust systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30106/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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It is already a requirement for the registration and entry into service of new motor vehicles in the European Union that they have type-approval in accordance with Directive 70/157/EEC, as amended, which sets down the permissible sound levels and exhaust systems for motor vehicles.

In-service vehicle standards are specified in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963, which require vehicles to be fitted with a silencer or other device to reduce to a reasonable level the noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine. Article 85 of these regulations prohibits the use in a public place of a vehicle which causes excessive noise. I have recently accepted proposals from the Road Safety to make changes to the NCT, to include a test of vehicle exhaust noise, and expect to make the necessary Regulations later this year.