Commission proposes research into aircraft noise reduction
The European Commission has adopted a proposal for a Directive to reduce aircraft noise, which includes recommendations to Member States to carry out an assessment of noise pollution at individual airports and conduct research into the possible costs and benefits of a range of methods aimed at reducing noise. The Directive has been proposed in order to instigate an EU wide approach to the control of aircraft noise at and around airports. The objective is to ensure that there is no overall increase in noise, whilst laying the ground for a reduction in aircraft noise following a phasing out period by April 2002. In the Directive, Member States will be asked to assess the noise problem at airports concerned using objective measurable criteria and evaluate the likely costs and benefits of the various measures available. Based on that evaluation, Member States should select those measures which comply with the goal of achieving maximum environmental benefit the most cost effectively. The Commission is also proposing new operating restrictions for noisy aircraft, with provisions to ban such aircraft.