WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3027/97 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Future Noise Policy (Green Paper)
16. 4. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 117/131 (98/C 117/174) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3027/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (1 October 1997) Subject: Future Noise Policy (Green Paper) The Economic and Social Committee believes that the Commissionís proposal, contained in its green paper on future noise policy (COM(96) 540 final), to restrict the establishment of limit values for noise caused by machines used in the open air to sectors which are already regulated will cause problems because the existing measures were not adopted systematically or in line with practically-based priorities, but more or less haphazardly. Will the Commission therefore adopt a comprehensive programme to reduce noise pollution of this type? Will it also provide further incentives (possibly through fiscal measures) for the early introduction of low-noise machinery? (98/C 117/175) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3028/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (1 October 1997) Subject: Future Noise Policy (Green Paper) The Economic and Social Committee endorses the priority attached in the Commissionís green paper on future noise policy (COM(96) 540 final) to measures to assess and reduce rail-traffic noise but believes that the noise reduction measures proposed in the Green Paper can be improved, for example by using low-noise trains. Will the Commission evaluate and avoid using variable rates for the use of individual railway lines? The resulting additional charge would prompt a shift to other, generally less environmentally-friendly, modes of transport. 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