Consultation on proposals for transposition and implementation of Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2002 relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise (The Environmental Noise Directive (END))
Summary of consultation responses
In line with the Scottish Executive's policy of openness, at the end of the consultation period copies of the responses received are made publicly available at the Scottish Executive Library, K Spur, Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh EH11 3XD. Copies of responses can be viewed by visiting the library or can also be provided by post. Charges for photocopies are made on a cost-recovery basis. To request copies by post and enquire about charges or make an appointment to view responses at the library, contact the Library on 0131 244 4552
A summary of the responses received to the consultation on proposals for transposition and implementation of Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2002 relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise is published below.
Background
The aim of the END is to define a common approach across the European Union with the intention of avoiding, preventing or reducing on a prioritised basis the harmful effects, including annoyance, due to exposure to environmental noise. This will involve:
• informing the public about environmental noise and its effects;
• the preparation of strategic noise maps for large urban areas, major roads, major railways and major airports; and
• preparing action plans based on the results of the noise mapping exercise. Such plans will aim to manage and reduce environmental noise where necessary, and preserve environmental noise quality where it is good.
The consultation asked for comments on proposals to:
• Designate the competent authorities and bodies responsible for implementing the END. However, Member States remain ultimately responsible for ensuring that the requirements of END are met. The competent authorities will be responsible for aspects such as making and, were relevant, approving noise maps and action plans for agglomerations, major roads, major railways and major airports; delimiting quiet areas and collecting noise maps and action plans;
• Set out the process by which noise maps and action plans will be produced (including public consultation for the action plans);
• Set out the process by which the completed noise maps and action plans will be made available to the public
Consultation Responses
The consultation received thirty responses in total and every response has been published. Twenty five respondents completed the response form questionnaire. The other five responses were in the form of a letter. Responses were received from:
Mr D Gallant
Moray Council, Environmental Services
Civil Aviation Authority
Confederation of Business Industry Scotland
Network Rail
Scottish Natural Heritage
Glasgow City Council, Environmental Protection Services
Fife Council, Environmental Services
National Farmers Union Scotland
Highland Council, Environmental Health
Bureau Veritas Acoustic Technology
Freightliner Group
The Railway Forum
Office of Rail Regulation
English, Welsh and Scottish Railway Ltd
Association of Train Operating Companies
British Ports Association
NHS Health Scotland
Fife Council, Transportation Services
Aberdeen Harbour Board
East Ayrshire Council, Environmental Health Service
BAA Scotland, Environment and Planning Departments
Nicol Acoustic Consultancy
Falkirk Council, Environmental Health
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
Midlothian Council, Community Services
North Ayrshire Council, Environmental Health
Dundee City Council
Strathclyde Passenger Transport
National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection Scotland
We are currently analysing and considering the responses which will be taken in to account when making regulations and any supporting guidance.
Please view an overview of the 25 returned questionnaires.
The responses are broadly supportive of the proposals in the consultation document. The main themes include:
• Need for a composite map
• Airports as the competent authority for making maps and action plans
• Inclusions of Local Authorities/SEPA in the mapping and action plan processes
• Definition of Major Roads
If you have any comment about this consultation exercise please send them to:
Linda Story
Scottish Executive
Environment Group
Air, Noise and Nuisance Team
1-G Dockside
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
e-mail: noise@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0131 244 1521
Fax: 0131 244 0211