Brussels, 22/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Council formally adopted, without debate, the framework directive relating to the assessment and management of ambient noise. It is aimed at establishing a cartography of the noise in the Union and at providing a framework for future Community noise reduction measures. It was possible to take this formal decision as the Parliament had confirmed, on 15 May, by an overwhelming majority (358 for, 24 against and 4 abstentions) the common text reached at Parliament/Council conciliation procedure (see EUROPE of 28 February, p.14). The text contains a binding commitment and a precise timetable for the implementation and follow-up of the legislation aimed at combating the main sources of noise pollution in the Union, mainly at rail, road and air traffic sites, as well as on building sites.