Driving ban for particularly loud motorcycles in the districts of Reutte and Imst
1) General information
The population in the district of Reutte has been severely affected by noise for years due to the constantly growing motorbike traffic. This is confirmed by the motorcycle noise study Außerfern 2019, commissioned by the regional government. Thus, on certain days the count runs up to 3,300 motorcycles on the L 246 Hahntennjochstraße. Measured against the total traffic volume, this corresponds to a share of almost 70 percent.
2) Key statements of the study
44 % of the population feel strongly affected by motorcycle noise. In particular, 2/3 of the population find "high-speed" driving ("howling") during acceleration and braking particularly disturbing. The majority of the population does not desire a general weekend driving ban.
3) Taken measures are insufficient
The numerous speed restrictions imposed in recent years have improved the situation in some areas, but the overall result remains unsatisfactory.
4) Measures planned
Due to the considerable noise pollution for the population living in the district of Reutte, driving bans for particularly loud motorcycles will be imposed from June 10th to October 31st 2020. A noise assessment concluded that motorcycles classify as loud from a technical point of view if their near-field level exceeds a value of 95 dB. This currently applies to approx. 6.7 % of this category of vehicles registered in Austria.
On the following road sections, a reduction of noise pollution from motorcycle traffic is required:
- B 198 Lechtalstraße from Steeg (Vorarlberg border) to Weißenbach am Lech
- B 199 Tannheimerstrasse from Weißenbach am Lech to Schattwald (German border)
- L 21 Berwang-Namloser Straße from Bichlbach to Stanzach
- L 72 Hahntennjochstraße 2nd part from Pfafflar to Imst (pass summit)
- L 246 Hahntennjochstraße 1st part from Imst (pass summit) to Imst crossing Vogelhändlerweg
- L 266 Bschlaber road from Elmen to Pfafflar
5) Period of validity
The driving ban will apply from June 10th to October 31st 2020.
This traffic-restrictive measure is breaking new ground in Tyrol, as it is based on "noise pollution". This pilot project will be evaluated and then subjected to a further expert assessment.