feature: Keeping the noise down
27 June 2008
Summer is the time for outdoor parties and keeping the windows open – and also the time when the council deals with the most complaints about noise.
Working closely with local police, our out-of-hours response team dealt with over 2,500 complaints during June, July and August last year.
The commonest cases involve barking dogs, amplified music and vehicle alarms – and they can all have a negative impact on everyone within earshot.
“Noise can cause real distress and disturbance for everyone and affects our quality of life,”
says Cllr Nilgun Canver, cabinet member for enforcement and safer communities.
But once again help is at hand for anyone suffering noise pollution this summer.
“We try to ensure that residents’ complaints are dealt with promptly. Clearly this can be difficult as an officer has to attend a scene to ascertain whether a noise constitutes a nuisance. However, when we get complaints from several people regarding one source, we can usually be assured that there is a problem,”
said Cllr Canver.
“Many people don’t realise they are annoying neighbours and respond positively when asked to keep the noise down, but with a few people we have to take enforcement action and even confiscate their sound systems. Now, working with police, we hope to be able to deal swiftly with any problems that come up during the summer months.”
While three quarters of complaints relate to domestic noise, more complex noise problems stem from pubs and clubs and extended opening hours.
Other problems, such as persistent noise at irregular times, may require evidence gathering, sometimes over weeks.
Most cases are dealt with amicably but the council will use its full enforcement powers where necessary, including taking offenders to court and seizing equipment.
If there’s a problem
You can report noise nuisance on 020 8489 1284 (Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5pm), or after hours on 020 8348 3148 (weekdays 5pm to 8.45am and weekends).
Did you know?
The noise team also works with landlords to take action against noisy tenants and it has an intruder alarm database where keyholders can register. This enables officers to deal with burglar alarms when residents are away. See the London Keyholder Database website (external link) for details.
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