HC Deb 13 January 1997 vol 288 cc108-9W
23. Mr. William O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to reduce noise from increased traffic levels on existing motorways affecting domestic properties; and if he will make a statement. [8763]

Mr. Watts

Tighter noise emission standards for new vehicles were introduced on 1 October 1996. In addition, when renewing the surface of a road the Highways Agency considers the materials and technology available. Some of the surfacing products now available generate significantly less tyre noise than older surfaces, and they can be used where they are no more expensive in whole-life cost terms than conventional surface treatment.