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Motor vehicle, train and tram noise

This page provides information about the following topics:

Individual motor vehicles

It is an offence to own or use a vehicle that exceeds noise limits in the vehicle emissions regulations. EPA can require a vehicle to be presented at one of its approved motor vehicle noise testers to determine compliance with the limits. A list of EPA approved noise testers is available.

A member of the public can report a noisy vehicle to the Traffic Management Unit at their local police station. If a police officer assesses the vehicle as being too noisy, the vehicle will be referred to EPA for noise testing.

The unreasonable noise provisions under section 48A of the Environment Protection Act 1970 also apply to motor vehicles on residential premises, such as vehicles left idling for a time or at a volume that could be considered unreasonable. The prohibited times in the Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations 1997 do not apply to vehicles when moving in or out of the premises.

Noise from recreational vehicles, mini-bikes and trail bikes used on residential premises, including large rural living allotments, is also included as residential noise and the unreasonable noise provisions of the Environment Protection Act 1970 apply.

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Road traffic noise

Reports about noise from general traffic flow should be directed to VicRoads or your local council, which are the bodies responsible for traffic management.

VicRoads
Telephone: (03) 9854 2666
Website

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Train/tram noise and track maintenance

Problems with noise from public transport or noise from maintenance work on railway or tramway equipment should be directed to the transport operator. You can also contact the Public Transport Ombudsman (Victoria) to investigate your complaint. The PTO can only investigate the complaint after the transport operator has had an opportunity to respond.

Public Transport Ombudsman (Victoria)
PO Box 538
Collins St West
Melbourne VIC 8007
Telephone: (03) 8623 2111
Country callers: 1800 466 865
Fax: (03) 8623 2100
Website
Send an email

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Road traffic noise strategy

The motor vehicle is an integral part of today's society and has contributed to the development and prosperity of Victoria. Unfortunately, motor vehicles produce adverse environmental impacts, especially in urban areas. Road traffic noise is one of the impacts of vehicles and is a growing source of concern for the community. Many government agencies, such as VicRoads and the Department of Infrastructure, already have programs in place that contribute to limiting or reducing traffic noise.

In addressing the issue of traffic noise, EPA developed the Road traffic noise strategy – Background paper with the intention of releasing a road traffic noise strategy. Early on, in the consultation, the need for development of a State environment protection policy (SEPP) was identified. From the submissions, comments and feedback received on the background paper, it has been decided that the original aims of a road traffic noise strategy could be met through development of a SEPP.

Elements of a policy will include:

  • the motor vehicle – reducing noise from individual vehicles and reducing use of the motor vehicle
  • roads – reducing noise emitted from traffic flows on the road network and
  • the noise receptor – reducing noise impacts on people at home or at noise-sensitive buildings.

Created under the Environment Protection Act 1970, SEPPs establish environmental quality objectives, set priorities and goals for the future and provide guidance to EPA and others on how the SEPP objectives are to be achieved. SEPPs reflect the aspirations of the Victorian community for the protection of their environment.

The SEPP is currently being drafted. If you would like to be added to the mailing list to be notified when the draft policy is released, please contact EPA on (03) 9695 2722 or send an email.

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