Filenews 3 December 2020
The Commission today called on Cyprus, as part of its monthly package of infringement procedures, to adopt and then revise certain action plans and strategic noise maps, as required by Directive 2002/49/EC for the assessment and management of environmental noise within two months, otherwise it will refer it to the Court of Justice of the EU.
The Commission notes that noise caused by road, rail and air traffic is the second leading environmental cause of premature death in the European Union, following air pollution. It is estimated that noise causes 48,000 new cases of coronary heart disease each year in Europe.
The Environmental Noise Directive sets out a common approach to avoiding, preventing or reducing the harmful effects caused by exposure to environmental noise.
Member States should adopt noise maps and action plans and review them periodically. According to the Directive, strategic noise mapping should be imposed on certain areas of interest, as it can capture the data needed to provide a representation of noise levels perceived within the area.
Action plans should relate to priorities in areas of interest and be drawn up by the competent authorities in consultation with citizens. To date, the Cypriot authorities have not adopted the required noise maps and action plans for various major roads. The Commission therefore sends a reasoned opinion to Cyprus. If Cyprus does not act within two months, the case may be referred to the Court of Justice of the EU.
Source: eyenews/CYPE
