The two LENS partners and authors Michael Dittrich (TNO) and Heinz Steven (HS Data Analysis and Consultancy, Heinsberg, Germany), published two peer reviewed papers as part of the Forum Acusticum 2026 Conference in Graz, offering guidance for policymakers on tackling noise from motorcycles, mopeds, trikes, quads and microcars. The two papers suggest noise migitation solutions and the update of the sound source model for L-vehicles in the CNOSSOS-EU noise calculation method for road traffic noise.
Impact of noise migitation solutions for L-vehicles
The paper assesses five mitigation scenarios up to 2050 across the EU27: improved type testing, reduced tampering, better driving behaviour, local access restrictions and accelerated fleet replacement. Benefits were estimated using both average noise levels and single loud events, which drive most complaints.
Reduced tampering ranked first for benefits relative to costs, followed by access restrictions and improved driving behaviour. Stricter type testing and subsidised fleet replacement scored lower because of higher costs and slower effect.
The results are indicative but sufficient to rank the scenarios. Gains were roughly twice as large in Southern Europe, where L-vehicles are most common.
Amendment proposal for noise emission data of motorcycles and mopeds in CNOSSOS-EU
This paper proposes updating the CNOSSOS EU noise calculation method, which underpins the mapping required by the Environmental Noise Directive. The authors argue that current source levels for motorcycles and mopeds are unrealistically low, in part even below those for cars. Drawing on LENS measurements of real world driving, they propose separate categories for mopeds, motorcycles up to 250 cc and larger machines, with levels up to 9 dB higher than the current levels. Tampering, weighted by fleet share, and high rev driving are included, together with new corrections for acceleration and gradients.
Both papers build directly on LENS results, including real world driving data, vehicle measurements, tampering surveys and the project report D6.4. LENS, funded under Horizon Europe from 2022 to 2025, addressed noise and pollutant emissions from these vehicles. Together, the papers link practical mitigation choices with more accurate noise mapping, helping authorities target action where residents are most affected.