'Quiet' tyres to get tax breaks

Drivers could soon slash the price of their car tax if they agree to fit new 'quiet' tyres

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Julie Sinclair

05th September 2006

Motorists opting for low-noise rubber would automatically be dropped down one vehicle excise duty band, if recommendations wheeled out by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) get the go-ahead.

The discounts (see our table) would be similar to those offered to drivers of low-emissions vehicles - and owners could also be exempt from congestion charging. The recommendations were based on the TRL's recent Government-funded research into the impact of noise pollution.

Buyers would be able to identify the new eco-friendly tyres by a labelling system, similar to those found on washing machines and other energy-efficient household goods.

Buyers would be able to identify the new eco-friendly tyres by a labelling system, similar to those found on washing machines and other energy-efficient household goods
The report suggests: "Manufacturers could stamp the words 'low noise' on the tyre sidewall, which shows it meets a certain sound threshold." Similar schemes are already proving successful in Germany and Scandinavia.

Tyres are currently given a limit of up to 76 decibels (dB), depending on size. But the move would add a new bracket for those producing as little as 71dB of noise by 2010. Government scientists are also looking at other ways to bring down the noise caused by rolling rubber. Options that are being considered include improving the state of road surfaces and fitting more cars with pressure monitors, as underinflation tends to increase tyre noise.