The U.K. Department Of Transport (DOT) issued press notice 272 on 28 August 1996 describing the adoption of new departure noise limits at London’s Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. The new limits apply to noise levels recorded at noise monitors and take effect on 1 January 1997. The quota system governing the eligibility to op-erate at night at these airports is not affected by the changes to the monitor noise limits.

The principal operational features of the rule changes adopted by the DOT include:

· The noise limits during the day (0700 - 2300 hrs) will be reduced by 3DBA, from 97 DBA to 94 DBA.
 
· The noise limits during the night (2300 - 0700 hrs) will be reduced by 2 DBA, from 89 DBA to 87 DBA.
 
· Measurements at the actual monitor array will be adjusted to simulate measurements made at 6,5 km from the start of takeoff roll.
 
· Airplanes must be at least 1.000 feet above field elevation (presently 1.000 feet above ground level) by the time they pass over the noise monitors.

The financial penalties for violating the new limits are unchanged: 500 pounds sterling for violations of 3 DBA or less; and 1.000 pounds sterling for violations above 3 DBA.

Press notice 272 of August 28, 1996 also confirmed that the DOT plans additional studies that could result in future consultation papers:

· Complete by 1 January 1999 a study of the feasibility of adding and relocating noise monitors to increase the percentage of violators that are caught.
 
· Increased priority on a study of arrival noise limits (no timetable established for completion).
 
· A study of tighter noise limits that vary with airplane type (no timetable established for completion).