Report of the 56th session of the Working Party on Noise, held during 3-5 September 2011.

Based on informal documents GRB-54-03 and GRB-55-01, Japan proposes noise limit values with some modification of the threshold of sub-categories as a possible basis for reaching a common position.

Proposal to improve accuracy in the calculation of tire rolling resistance by the deceleration method.

This proposal aligns Figure 2 (Reference Point) in the Appendix to Annex 3 of UN R51 with the latest amendment of ISO 5130:2012 and with the draft 04 series of amendments to Regulation No.41 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2011/3).

This proposal aligns Annex 3, paragraph 2.3.2. with the latest amendment to ISO 5130:2012. The purpose of the amendment is to require the use of test surfaces with “no appreciable level of porosity”.

Updated proposal from Japan concerning new noise limit values for light vehicles, including low-powered and “mini” cars and trucks, under UN R51.

Proposed revisions to the Annex 3 test procedures and interpretation of resulting data.

Proposal for additional limit values based upon vehicle configuration.

Comments from the IMMA in response to the Russian proposal to re-define the use of terms “sound” and “noise” in the motorcycle noise regulation.

Proposal to revise UN R51 test procedures based on methodologies developed for Chinese regulation GB1495.

Proposal from IMMA to update the transition provisions of UN R9 in line with new recommendations by UNECE WP29.

Proposal from IMMA to update the transition provisions of UN R63 in line with new recommendations by UNECE WP29.

Document GRB/2012/08 from OICA proposes a text for the 03 series of amendments to
UN R51 intended to consolidate the GRB discussions as of the 55th session. The Netherlands proposes further improvements in order to incorporate the latest relevant ISO standards and to simplify the communication.

Table prepared by OICA highlighting various elements in the consideration of noise in UN Regulation Nos. 9, 28, 41, 51, 59, 63, 92, and 117.

Presentation considering tyre rolling sound emissions where pavement, tyre and vehicle all play major roles and where traffic flow management and driver behavior are taken into consideration.

German position paper arguing for greater objectivity and clarity over the use of the proposed “M+S”, “M.S”, “M&S”, and “Alpine” symbol with regard to “snow tyres” and “snow tyres for use in severe snow conditions”.

ETRTO remarks concering the consolidated version of the proposed 03 series of amendments to UN R51, including OICA remarks on updating references to Annex 9 and concerning the Annex 2 qualification of the vehicle to be tested in each instance.

CLEPA presentation on additional sound emission provisions for replacement silencing systems.

GRB review of the text adopted by the Working Party on Brakes and Running Gear (GRRF) to add specific performance requirements for C2 snow tires to UN R117.

GRB revision of the proposal for a corrigendum to draft Supplement 3 to the 02
series of amendments to Regulation No. 117 as a proposal for the 03 series of amendments based on documents GRB/2012/15 and GRB/2012/18.

Japanese explanation for placing Stage 3 limit values in brackets (signifying tentative proposals subject to further consideration) because of the contradiction between measures to reduce automotive noise and technical measures to meet the aims of fuel consumption/CO2 regulations.

Chinese views concerning the test methodology for new limit values under UN Regulation No. 51 on vehicle noise.

EC proposal (COM 856 final) aimed at reducing environmental noise by introducing a new test method for measuring noise emissions, by lowering the noise limit values, by including additional sound emission provisions in the type-approval procedure. Includes minimum noise for electric vehicles.

Draft agenda for the September 2012 session of the Working Party on Noise.

Proposal from the Russian Federation to provide harmonized definitions for the terms “noise” and “sound” and also for a revised structure for introducing the provisions.

Draft recommendations from the informal group on Quiet Road Transport Vehicles pursuant to their deliberations on the risks such vehicles poses to vulnerable road users.

Proposal based on Informal document GRB-54-03 submitted by the expert from Germany and on Informal document GRB-55-01 submitted by the expert from Japan, including limit values with some modification of threshold of subcategories, which could be the basis of a common position.

Consolidated version of the proposed 03 series of amendments to UN R51, including OICA remarks on updating references to Annex 9 and concerning the Annex 2 qualification of the vehicle to be tested in each instance.

Proposal to allow test tracks to be constructed per the 02 series of amendments to UN R117 or according to the new ISO standard 10844:2011.

Proposal from the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) to align the text of Annex 6 of UN R117 to the ISO Standard 28580.

Proposal from the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) to amend the snow test method for C3 Tyres.

Proposal from Russia to update R.E.3 with regard to specifications on Category G road tractors, the formulation of requirements on noise, modification of the method of measuring vehicle internal noise, and recommended permissible levels of vehicle internal noise.

This proposal of amendments to UN Regulation No. 9 consolidates earlier versions of UN Regulation No. 9 and aligns the test methods with those introduced into UN Regulation No. 41.

Proposed amendments to consolidate previous versions of UN Regulation No. 63 and to align the test methods with those introduced into UN Regulation No. 41.

Proposal from the Netherlands to update requirements on the noise test track to the from ISO 10844:1994 to ISO 10844:2011, including provisions for the repaving of non-compliant tracks. The proposal offers two approaches: reference to IS0 10844:2011 or reproduction of the ISO text.

Proposal from the Netherlands to update the requirements of the noise test track from
ISO 10844:1994 to ISO 10844:2011, including provisions for the repaving of non-compliant tracks. The proposal offers two alternatives: reference to ISO 10844:2011 or reproducing the whole text of the standard.

OICA submission proposing to align the current stationary vehicle noise emission measurement provisions of UN R51 with those in the latest draft international standard ISO/DIS 362.

Submission by the GRB secretariat to correct an editorial error where the noise test track specifications should refer to the requirements of ISO 10844:2011 rather than “Annex 4” as stipulated in the original draft.