Quiet Heavy Vehicles for 1990-The QHV 90 Programme

In September 1984 the European Economic Community agreed a Directive which will require vehicle manufacturers to reduce the drive-by noise of trucks by 3 to 5 decibels by October 1990. The British Government has set up a programme of research and support for development to assist the manufacturers of heavy goods vehicles and their engines to develop products that will comply with the new noise limits and be available for production by 1990. This is called the QHV 90 Programme.

QHV 90 includes the development of quiet versions of six goods vehicles of up to 38 tonne weight, and 8 types of diesel engine for commercial vehicles. Reducing the noise from vehicles is to be achieved by quietening the engines, enclosing the engines and improving the effectiveness of the exhaust silencers. Experience with the previous TRRL Quiet Heavy Vehicle between 1971 and 1981 has shown that this is possible at relatively minor cost.