UIP recognises that noise is a critical environmental burden that affects not only society but also the performance of the railway system around Europe. Therefore, UIP welcomes the DG MOVE initiative roadmap “Effective reduction of noise generated by rail freight wagons in the European Union” which was published on April 23, 2013.
UIP particularly appreciates and agrees that the objective of this initiative is to carry out an impact assessment of the costs and benefits from the introduction of a number of possible policy options regarding mandatory noise level limits and Noise Differentiated Track Access Charges.
However, UIP would like to stress that the initiated impact assessment should be substantiated and scientifically accurate in order to not only justify the recommended policy option(s), but to also become the basis for the introduction of an appropriate financial framework (including TEN-T and CEF under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020).