A Conservative MP has proposed that manufacturers should make it mandatory to include a ‘simple rubber lining’ in the doors of their cars to make them quieter when they are closed.
Mark Pritchard, the MP for The Wrekin in Shropshire, proposed this idea alongside several others aimed at reducing noise pollution in the country’s towns and cities.
Speaking in Westminster yesterday, Pritchard called for a ‘national conversation about how we make this country quieter’.
He also said: “On my own observations, I think the Government should work with motor manufacturers to encourage all cars and vehicles to have linings which stop their doors making noises when they are slammed shut.
“A simple rubber lining would make a huge difference – metal on metal makes noise.”
Quieter ambulances and roads proposed
Pritchard also suggested that emergency vehicles should be discouraged from using their sirens after midnight to keep towns and cities quiet during the night time.
He explained: “Even walking down the streets here in Westminster, sometimes the ambulances that are going out to save lives – and we respect that and we recognise that and they have to get through heavy traffic – some of the sirens are so ear-piercing compared to other emergency services.”
Other ideas mentioned by Pritchard to reduce noise pollution included encouraging Government departments to develop ‘low noise tyres’ and ‘silent road surfaces’.
