The Governing Board has approved this contract, which is set to begin in September and can be extended for up to five years. Deputy Mayor and municipal spokesperson, Inma Sanz, highlighted the importance of this initiative during a press conference.
Driven by the Urban Planning, Environment and Mobility Area, the agreement ensures the functionality of the instrumentation at the Municipal Acoustics Center (CMA). This center is crucial for acoustic measurements in vehicles and machinery, including annual verifications and the maintenance of equipment used by the Inspection Service and Madrid Municipal Police stations to assess noise and vibrations.
“"Thanks to this initiative, promoted by the Urban Planning, Environment and Mobility Area, the instrumentation installed in the Municipal Acoustics Center (CMA), used for various acoustic measurements on vehicles and machinery, is guaranteed."
The awarded company will be responsible for collecting equipment from municipal facilities, transporting it to authorized laboratories, managing documentation, and returning it after maintenance, verification, or repair. This measure strengthens Madrid's position as a benchmark in urban sound environment management, complementing the Comprehensive Acoustic Pollution Surveillance System and its measurement stations.
In February, the City Council approved the Action Plan on Acoustic Pollution, linked to the fourth phase of strategic noise mapping. This plan aims to maintain the 80% reduction in the population exposed to high noise levels since 2006.
The Municipal Acoustics Center, inaugurated in 1996 by then-mayor Álvarez del Manzano, replaced the old Vehicle Noise Verification Station (active since 1969). Its facilities were adapted to current regulations, extending control to outdoor machinery. Currently, the CMA verifies vehicles and machinery reported by the Municipal Police and Mobility Agents for exceeding noise limits, as well as municipal fleets for cleaning, waste collection, and EMT Madrid. It also offers verification services to private individuals and companies.
This center, unique in Spain, aims to raise awareness among citizens about noise regulations and minimize the acoustic impact of the municipal fleet. It conducts acoustic power tests to ensure vehicles do not exceed manufacturer-set noise levels. Additionally, it performs a double test (stationary and in motion) on vehicles reported by the Municipal Police or Mobility Agents, conducting between 1,400 and 1,500 inspections annually.
