Noise and Nuisance

Summer clampdown on noise nuisance

During the summer months, many residents unwittingly cause their neighbours problems by playing their music too loudly.

In the summer months, the number of complaints to the Council's noise nuisance team increases significantly. The majority of the extra complaints are about noisy neighbours who are playing loud music with their windows open, particularly over weekends. Summer barbecues and late-night parties add to the number of complaints.

To respond to the issue, the Council has introduced additional noise patrols on Saturday and Sundays during the summer. They will join the standard noise patrols, who are out and about in the borough every night of the week to keep noise in check.

Officers will follow-up complaints and check that previous offenders comply with Council notices to reduce the noise. They also pursue persistent noise nuisances through the courts and have secured several successful prosecutions, mostly for playing loud music, in the past 12 months.

A conviction can lead to a large fine and in many cases, sound equipment - including speakers, CD players, record players and amplifiers - has been confiscated.

There are many ways that residents can avoid causing noise nuisance:

Keep stereos and televisions away from walls and floors, and use headphones at night
Avoid using your washing machine and other noisy appliances at night or very early in the morning
Fit carpet to stairways where possible
Please ask permission from your Neighbourhood Housing Officer before fitting laminate floors
Avoid shouting to other members of your household and banging on doors
If you have a party, set a finish time (and try to stick to it) and give your neighbours ample warning. Residents are less likely to complain if they know when they can expect noise to stop. Make sure your guests are considerate too
If you own a dog please try to keep it quiet
Please be extra vigilant in the summer, as noise travels further outside - for example, through open windows or if you are having a barbecue or garden party
Car stereos and alarms disturb others, especially when you are parked or waiting for someone
Make sure a key holder can be contacted if your house alarm goes off whilst you are away. See that it is regularly maintained to ensure it doesn't go off accidentally

Councillor Milton McKenzie, Executive Member for the Environment, said:

"While we are all enjoying the warmer weather, residents should be more considerate about their potentially anti-social behaviour during the hot weather.

"With windows and doors left open around the borough, summer is a particularly sensitive time of year for noise nuisance. People should do their best to avoid a visit from the noise enforcement officers - by turning their music down."

To report a noise nuisance please contact the Council on 020 8215 3010.

Contact

Business Support Team

Environmental and Enforcement Services

Roycraft House

15 Linton Road

Barking

IG11 8HE

Supported by Barking and Dagenham Direct:

Tel: 020 8215 3010

Fax: 020 8227 5184

Textphone: 020 8227 5755

Email: 3000direct@lbbd.gov.uk|

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm.