HC Deb 23 July 1979 vol 971 cc70-1W
Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Minister of Transport what is the decibel level of motor cycle exhaust noise which is considered acceptable by his Department.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Statutory limits on noise from motor cycles have existed since 1970, and we propose to introduce stricter limits for new motor cycles in accordance with an EEC directive—78/1015/EEC—adopted last year. The new limits will be:

Engine capacity in cubic capacity and maximum permitted noise level in dB(A)
Up to 80 … … 78
Over 80 and up to 125 … … 80
Over 125 and up to 350 … … 83
Over 350 and up to 500 … … 85
Over 500 … … 86

When allowance is made for changes in test procedure, these limits represent a significant improvement over those currently applying.