§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she intends to take on the conclusions contained in publications issued by the Government and on behalf of the Government which were distributed at the United Kingdom Noise Forum's inaugural conference held on 20 May; and if she will make a statement. [62571]
§ Mr. MeacherThe 'Noise Incidence Study' (NIS) and `Noise Attitudes Survey' (NAS), are the latest in a time-series of data on the levels of noise, and people's perception of noise.
The key finding from NIS is that the average noise levels measured during the daytime and evening have decreased to some extent.
The environmental (road, rail and air traffic) noise issues identified within NIS and NAS, will be addressed during the development of the National Ambient Noise Strategy currently being developed. Moreover, the highlighted problem of neighbour noise will be jointly targeted with the planned amendments to the Noise Act 1996, which will make it easier for councils to use additional powers to control domestic noise, and with the 'Neighbour Noise Communications Plan'. This will involve the characterisation of both noisemakers and noise sufferers so that a hard-hitting publicity campaign can communicate both how to deal with noise nuisance, and how toavoid creating it.
Additionally, the 'Review of European Legislation and Practices (2002)', has identified a variety of enforcement and control measures that my officials will be exploring in more detail. These include:
Integration of local authority efforts—the Amsterdam example given in the report appears to offer benefitsMediation—mediation in Norway is cited as a model serviceEducation—further research is recommended into the effectiveness of education programmes, particularly in schools.