Noise Legislation
OVERVIEW OF THE LAW
Noise is described as any sound which is undesired by the recipient. Given the adverse consequences of noise pollution on human health, various provisions of law aim at its reduction. Apart from specific laws dealing with construction noise, noise from audible alarms and night time noise, it is also covered under statutory nuisance. Construction noise is caused by the activities related with either the construction or demolition of buildings. The local authority may by a notice impose certain restrictions upon the construction work regarding the use of machinery and working hours. A prior consent of the authority may be acquired for conducting construction activities. Such consent serves as a defence against the offence of causing construction noise. The local authority may also issue noise reduction notice in a designated noise control zone. However, it would be a defence to prove that the best practicable means have been adopted to reduce the noise. Failure to comply with the requirements of the notice issued by the authority constitutes an offence punishable with a fine.
The local authority may designate all or any part of its area as “an alarm notification area” by publishing its decision. The owners and occupiers of the premises in which audible alarms are fitted are required to notify the names and addresses of the key-holders to the authority. In case the alarm is sounding for more than 20 minutes the local authority may take appropriate action to silence it even by forced entry. Failure to either nominate the key-holder or notify the local authority is an offence punishable with fine.
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