Noise pollution: reduction of noise emitted by excavators (modif. Directive 86/662/EEC)

The proposal for a Directive sought to amend Directive 86/662/EEC and to reduce the admissible sound-power levels for earth-moving machines (excavators, dozers, loaders and excavator-loaders) measured by the real dynamic measurement method. The draft set out a two-stage approach for the limitation of sound emissions: - in the first stage, new limit values of approximately 4 dB less than the values currently applied would be set. These limits would come into force from 30 December 1995; - in the second stage limit values would be set for 2000 and beyond, on the basis of a reduction of 3 dB with respect to the first stage. The amended proposal made provision for an incentive measure to promote new technical progress in this field and authorised the Member States to introduce tax incentive measures to speed up the introduction of silent machines. Lastly, it was proposed to extend the period of validity of Directive 86/662 to 29 December 1995 and that of the certificates granted under its provisions to 29 December 1996 in order to give the industry enough time to comply with the new proposed levels. �