Noise pollution targeted

Friday 30 June 2006

LONDON

New measures to curb excessive noise pollution from pubs and clubs could be implemented following consultation, as the final part of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act comes into force. Defra is seeking views on the draft guidance for the measures, which will be designed to combat noise problems arising from the longer hours allowed by the recently changed licensing laws. The existing noise regulations (Noise Act 1996) can only be used to deal with night-time noise from residential buildings.

Offenders under the proposed legislation could be liable to on-the-spot fines of up to £500, or maximum fines of £5000 if the case is taken through court.

"In the past, excessive noise from pubs and clubs had to be ongoing for any offence to take place. That doesn't help those who have had their sleep disturbed into the early hours on the odd occasion - especially given the longer opening hours we have now,” said Local Environment Minister, Ben Bradshaw.

"With the new powers, local authorities can deal with one-off incidents of excessive noise from licensed premises in the same way they can from households: quickly and effectively.”

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