Green Party Transport spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD has welcomed proposals by the Road Safety Authority to tackle noisy modified cars through the National Car Test (NCT).

Deputy Cuffe said: "I'm pleased to see the issue of noise pollution from car exhausts being addressed. I've spoken to many people suffering from sleepless nights because of noisy modified cars using roads near their homes. These proposals should go some way to reducing the stress caused by this noise nuisance.

"The Government is currently preparing wide-ranging noise pollution legislation that will comprehensively address other noise problems such as car alarms and construction noise."

Under proposals released by Road Safety Authority today, a suggestion has been put forward to check car exhaust sound levels during the NCT. The RSA states: 'The nuisance caused by excessive noise from vehicle exhausts is regularly the subject of comments and complaints received by the RSA. A new test is proposed at NCT whereby sound levels will be checked in order to ensure acceptable sound levels are not exceeded.'

The RSA is currently seeking car owners' views on new items that may be added to the National Car Test including regulating tinted windows, improving tyre standards and compulsory annual testing for cars over ten years old. The public have until 27 March 2009 to have their views heard. Full details are available on the RSA website http://www.rsa.ie/NEWS/News/NCT_Consultation.html