City of Brussels wants measures against exhaust pipe terror

The Brussels city council wants the Brussels Region to take measures against noise from amplified engines and exhaust pipes in the capital’s streets. To this end, the city council approved a resolution by Councilor Mathias Vanden Borre (N-VA) on the issue.

According to the World Health Organization, noise is the second biggest environmental cause of health problems after air pollution.

Road pirates

Especially at the Heysel and along the Canal in Brussels, among other places, so-called “rodeo drivers” have been popping up. Road pirates there make traffic unsafe and cause noise pollution. Many noise violations can also be traced to only a handful of perpetrators, but a few’s anti-social actions ensure that motorcyclists are often targeted.

Vanden Borre’s motion now calls on the Brussels Region to quickly enable noise speed cameras and develop regulations regarding noise from motorized vehicles.

The region and the city of Brussels have already taken several measures. Among others, the introduction of the 30 zone, LEZ, and Good Move is helping to improve noise pollution. For example, traffic institute VIAS calculated that lowering the speed limit from 50 to 30 km/h helped reduce noise pollution by 3 to 4 decibels.

Police controls

The Brussels Mobility Public Service also launched a collaboration with the police. At the end of last month, five motorbikes were sent for technical inspection because they were too noisy during a control operation on Poelaert Square.

Control actions also took place at the Heysel. Last year, for example, 64 administrative and two judicial seizures were reported. During such control actions, a decibel meter is used to check whether the noise volume produced corresponds more or less to the factory specification indicated on the nameplate or the inspection of the two-wheeler.

Noise radars

At the same time, Environment Brussels launched a pilot project with noise radars to measure noise peaks. However, the radars do not yet have the certificate of conformity needed to fine violators.

The new resolution asks the Brussels Region to approve such noise radars quickly and to develop a regional regulation on motor vehicle noise. The Region is also asked to continue the cooperation between Brussels Mobility, the police, and the approved technical control centers so that full technical verification of noise standards can be carried out immediately on-site.