Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has considered introducing a mandatory vehicle noise test as part of the MOT; and what steps she is taking to tackle excessive vehicle noise.

Excessive exhaust noise is already assessed as part of the MOT. Testers must fail a vehicle where its exhaust noise is unreasonably above the level expected from a similar vehicle fitted with a standard silencer in average condition. The Department keeps the content of the MOT under review, but there are practical challenges in introducing an objective noise measurement test in MOT stations. To tackle excessive vehicle noise, the Department continues to work with enforcement partners and supports action under existing legislation against vehicles that do not comply with noise requirements.