Noise tests begin

Press, 1 July 1978, Page 14

Noise tests begin

PA Wellington From the beginning of July all new motor-vehicles made here or brought into New Zealand will be subject to maximum noise limits. The levels are based on the regulations of this country’s main trading partners, as New Zealand imports almost all motor-vehicles used here. The Ministry of Transport will monitor the noise levels of new cars and .will help manufacturers set up facilities for testing, according to the Minister of Transport (Mr McLachlan) yesterday. The maximum allowable noise levels will be: powercycles (less than 60 cu. cm) 77 decibels perceived by the human ear; motor-cycles between 60 and 125 cu. cm, 82dba; motor-cycles over 125 cu. cm, 86dba; cars, vans, and light trucks, 84dba; vehicles heavier than 2000 kg with engines less than 150 Kw, 89dba; vehicles weighing more than 2000 kg with engines greater than 150 Kw, 92dba. Mr McLachlan said it would be the responsibility ■of the manufacturers to make sure their vehicles comply with the noise standards when new. They could undertake the testing themselves or use results from overseas testing if the same model was sold in New Zealand without any modifications or equipment changes, he said. Alternatively, the Ministry would carry out measurements in New Zealand.