§ 27. Sir Richard Pilkingtonasked the Minister of Transport what steps he is now taking to prevent excessive noise from the engines of all types of vehicles using the roads.
§ Mr. HayWe are preparing new regulations based on the British Standard for a method of measurement, which was issued last month; on the proposed British Standard for sound level meters; on the results of tests on the actual noise emitted by vehicles; and the effect of various levels of sound on the hearers. I cannot yet say when the work in this complex field will be completed.
§ Sir Richard PilkingtonDoes my hon. Friend agree that while only a minority of road users make this noise, they should be dealt with severely and as soon as possible?
§ Mr. HayThat is exactly why we are pressing on as quickly as we can with the proposed new regulations. I do not, however, want to hold out any hopes that we will be able to act all that quickly, because, as I have said, this is a complex matter.