The report compares Australia's vehicle noise regulations with those in Europe, the USA and Japan, and presents a wide range of strategies and initiatives to address engine and engine brake noise.

The report was commissioned as part of a major project to reduce vehicle noise levels, particularly engine brake noise, and to bring Australia into line with international noise standards.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2002 and is a key element of the Third Heavy Vehicle Reform Package.

Vehicle noise, and especially loud engine brake and motorcycle noise, is consistently rated as a major community concern. It can have a major impact on sleep, lifestyle, property values and driver fatigue and stress.

Studies have shown that nearly 40 percent of Australia's population is exposed to undesirable traffic noise and a further 10 percent to excessive traffic noise.

The report provides the most comprehensive review of vehicle noise regulations since the mid 1980s. It was prepared for the NRTC by Harry Close and Apelbaum Consulting Group P/L.

Noise standards for new vehicles are set by the Australian Design Rules, which in the case of motor vehicles, permit up to seven decibels of noise higher than international limits, or a doubling in noise.

The approach for monitoring in-service levels also needs to be overhauled to make sure that vehicles continue to meet original equipment standards.

Strategies suggested in the report include:

• adopting international new vehicle noise standards, in whole or in part;
• adopting the international approach to stationary noise testing;
• prescribing specific exhaust designs; and
• increasing enforcement resources, including to local councils.

When releasing the report, NRTC Chairman, Stuart Hicks, said finding comprehensive long-term solutions to reducing vehicle noise was a top priority for Australia.

"Excessive vehicle noise is a major social and environmental problem plaguing too many Australians," he said.

"However, the solutions are not straight-forward. Because the problem is so widespread, we must look to cutting noise at its source."

A multi-level approach is going to be needed to address the different causes and impacts of noise from trucks, cars, motorcycles and other vehicles, said Mr Hicks.

"It's likely that a package of measures that combines tougher new vehicle standards with strategies to maintain exhaust systems has the best chance of success.

"Engine brakes for trucks and other heavy vehicles are an important safety device and are a back-up to their other braking systems," he said.

Mr Hicks said simply placing a national ban on engine brakes on trucks and other heavy vehicles was not an option to reduce this noise.

The majority of complaints about engine brake noise result from poorly designed and inferior mufflers, which do not match the vehicle's engine and engine brake systems.

The consultants suggest that the best approach to controlling engine brake noise is to ensure that vehicles are well designed and properly maintained. Special mufflers are readily available, and although they cost around $300 more than standard mufflers, the extra is not a major item in the cost of a truck.

The report also showed that it was feasible to test for engine brake noise.

Mr Hicks said the NRTC had not formed a definite view about what the best solutions should be. He called for wide input from manufacturers, user groups, transport and environment agencies and local government to help determine the best approach.

Comments will be considered then a draft policy proposal will be released for comment. Draft recommendations will be considered by the Motor Vehicle Environment Committee, and recommendations submitted to Australia's Transport and Environment Ministers in late 2001.

Comments are invited by 29 June 2001 and can be sent to the Chief Executive, NRTC, PO Box 13105 LAW COURTS VIC 8010, facsimile: (03) 9326 8964, e-mail: nrtc@nrtc.gov.au. The report can be found below or can be requested by phoning (03) 9321 8444.

More information:

Mac Henshall, media liaison: (03) 9321 8403, mob 0403 126 541 (until 16 May)
Peter Makeham, Director Safety and Environment, (03) 9321 8444 (from 16 May)

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