The move has also seen MEPs recommend the introduction of labels to inform consumers about new cars' noise levels and adding sound to hybrid and electric vehicles to alert pedestrians.

Research by the European Environment Agency has shown that at least half of the population in urban areas is exposed to noise levels above 55 decibels as a result of ambient road traffic.

The new regulation is intended to ensure a high level of health and environmental protection as well as a reasonable safeguard of the internal market for motor vehicles.

The draft legislation proposes to phase in two stages of limits, which would six and eight years after the new rules come into force. The first phase would apply to new vehicle models, the second to all new vehicles entering into service.

The limit for standard cars would be reduced to 68db from its current level of 74db. More powerful vehicles would be given an extra margin of 2 to 6db while the limit for the most powerful heavy lorries (over 12 tonnes) would be maintained at 81db.

MEPs also want a labelling system to be introduced for new cars, in line with similar schemes for fuel efficiency, tyre noise and CO2 emissions.

The issue of the quiet electric and hybrid car engines was also covered, with MEPs expressing concerns that these can pose a threat to pedestrians and calling for compulsory requirements in future to add sound to these vehicles. The draft legislation points to a number of standards that must first be developed for such "Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS)".
 

‘The harmful impact of traffic noise has been scientifically proved but the legislative proposal is entirely focused on the noise generated by the vehicle engine. My idea was more comprehensive from the beginning, we need to address other factors such as road tar quality, aerodynamics and tyres,’ said rapporteur Miroslav Ouzký.

The measures have been backed by the EPP Group, the largest political group in the European Parliament.

‘We shared the overall objective of the Commission's proposal as an important step forward in the fight against the harmful effects of noise emissions from motor vehicles on public health. And that is why we have introduced an adequate level of protection against noise,’ said Salvatore Tatarella MEP.