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UKNA SCOTLAND The Scottish branch of the UK Noise Association |
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Welcome to |
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8 December 2004 The Scottish branch of the UK Noise Association will be launched at a lunchtime reception to be held in the Scottish Parliament on 8th December (1). The reception, to be hosted by Nora Radcliffe MSP, is expected to a significant number of MSPs. John Stewart, the national Chair of the UK Noise Association, will tell the reception that the European Noise Directive will require the Scottish Parliament to carry out noise mapping and draw up action plans to deal with the noisiest areas (2). Stewart, who will be coming up from London for the reception, said: "Scotland is leading the way in dealing with noisy neighbours through the measures it has taken to combat anti-social behaviour. The challenge now is to produce noise maps of road and aircraft noise and to come up with action plans to tackle the worst affected areas." Nora Radcliffe MSP said, "I am delighted to be hosting this important reception. Noise is a problem affecting many of our constituents. I welcome the efforts to push it up the political agenda." The Chair of the new Scottish Branch, Professor Frank McManus (3), said, "For too long noise has been the forgotten pollutant. Yet for many people it is a serious problem. The noise climate has got worse in recent years as a result of the big increase in the number of cars on our roads and planes in our skies as well as the fact that many of us have more powerful sound systems that we had before. We will be lobbying the Parliament to take the necessary measures to improve the noise climate." ENDS Notes for Editors: (1). The reception will take place on 8th December from 12.30pm - 1.30pm in Room Q1-07 of the Scottish Parliament. Refreshments will be served. (2). The European Noise Directive, published in 2003, requires member states to produce ambient noise maps (initially for their larger urban areas) and, on the basis of the findings, draw up action plans to deal with the noisiest areas. Ambient noise covers noise from roads, rail, air and outdoor construction sites. Noise mapping is underway in England (being carried out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), but so far has not been undertaken by the Scottish Parliament. (3). Professor McManus is Professor of Law at Napier University. He is the author of a number of publications on noise and the law. For members of the press only, please contact: Professor Frank McManus on 07957 548789 Nora Radcliffe MSP via the Scottish Parliament John Stewart, Chair UK Noise Association on 07957 385650 |
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Reception at Scottish Parliament to Launch Scottish Branch of Noise Lobby Group |