The Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the European Union considered the draft Law No. 3006 “On Amendments to Article 40 of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Road Transport’ (on the prohibition of acoustic violence).”
The purpose of the bill is to protect human rights, improve the quality and safety of transport services by banning acoustic violence in transport.
The bill proposes to amend Article 40 of the Law of Ukraine “On Road Transport”, aimed at protecting passengers from acoustic violence. In particular, it is forbidden to broadcast music, sound of movies or other sound signals in the cabins of regular buses, except for information about the trip (sound can be transmitted to individual headphones of passengers).
In a taxi or during irregular bus transportation, such broadcasting is allowed with the consent of all passengers.
The introduction of the bill is due to the need to protect passengers of public transport from acoustic violence - the broadcast of obsessive sounds against the will of the listener.
The practice of broadcasting loud sounds – music, movies, radio programs, etc. – in public transport salons has become widespread and creates discomfort for many passengers. This problem is especially acute on road passenger transport of all types. This situation is unacceptable and violates people's natural right to their own private space and silence.
The draft law instructs all executive bodies to amend the rules of transportation on all types of passenger transport to protect passengers from acoustic violence.
According to the Committee, the bill does not contradict Ukraine’s international legal obligations.
The same conclusion was obtained by the draft law No. 4534, which proposes to prohibit advertising on highways. Its authors are convinced that advertising media distract drivers, hinder the assessment of the traffic situation, especially because of their bright lighting in the dark.
In general, according to the decision of the Committee, not contrary to EU law the draft laws:
- No. 4327 on the regulation of issues related to prisoners of war and internees in a special period. - No. 4323 on the application of forced feeding measures to convicts and detainees. - No. 4356 on amendments to some laws of Ukraine to stimulate the development of energy services. The document does not contradict EU law, but according to Annex XXVII-A to the Association Agreement requires the conclusion of the European Commission on its compatibility with the relevant provisions of EU law. - No. 3741 on the protection of beekeeping. - No. 3044а on improving the administration of excise tax on tobacco products and strengthening control over their circulation. According to the Committee, the provisions of the draft law do not contradict Ukraine's international legal obligations in the field of European integration, but need to be finalized in order to bring them directly into line with the requirements of Directive 2014/40 / EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014.