The European Commission has launched a public consultation aimed at supporting the evaluation of a measure tackling the rail freight noise issue in the EU via noise differentiated track access charges (NDTAC) schemes established under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/429. The consultation is aimed at the general public, giving the citizens or citizens’ associations a chance to express their views on the reduction of rail freight noise.
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/429 provides the legal framework for noise differentiated track access charges (NDTAC). The prime objective of the Regulation is to contribute to the improvement of the well-being of the EU citizens via the reduction of rail noise and to reduce the risks to the competitiveness of the rail freight sector by incentivising retrofitting. The retrofitting is incentivised in the first place through lower track access charges allowing for the recuperation of costs linked to installation of composite brake blocks. Retrofitting the existing freight wagons with composite brake blocks diminishes rail noise by up to 10 dB, which equals to a 50% reduction in audible noise for humans.
Based on the results of the evaluation, the EC may, if necessary, decide to revise the existing legal framework. The questionnaire is made available in English, French, German and Dutch. Responses can be submitted in any official EU language. The consultation period will run until 20 June 2018.
The European Commission also intends to consult expert stakeholders (e.g. infrastructure managers, railway undertakings, wagon keepers, wagon owners, corporate umbrella organisations, research organisations or public authorities) with a targeted consultation in the second quarter of 2018. A number of targeted consultation activities will be carried out by an external consultant in the course of the support study.
Here you can find the public consultation on noise differentiated track access charges schemes.
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