Noise

Persistent noise from a few can create misery for the many. The new measures give Local Authorities additional powers to deal swiftly with antisocial noise.

Local Authorities now have the option to apply noise control provisions to specific areas and/or times and if the Local Authority takes up the provisions, it can do so 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please scroll down for more info on noise nuisance.

Noise in the Act

Noise is covered in Part 5 of the Act:
ASB doc icon Read the Antisocial Behaviour Act

Key Documents and Links on Noise

The statutory guidance on noise covers:

Context and background
The Scottish legislation
Recent research and permitted levels
Summary of feedback of Local Authority tele survey
Training needs
Development of a management guide
Alignment of ASB Part 5 noise nuisance issues and ASB Part 1 local strategies

The list of annexes also includes:

Belfast City Council warning notice
Measurement protocol
Instrumentation requirements
Suggested protocol for obtaining a warrant

Opens in new window Statutory Guidance on Noise (PDF, 440Kb)

FAQs about Noise

Q. What are the measures?

Q. In practice how will this work?

Q. What else can be done about noise?

You'll find answers to your questions about Noise on the FAQs page.

Need more advice or guidance on noise nuisance? Call the Practitioners Advice Line:

advice line 2

"Previously the police had to use their own judgement on whether music was too loud or not, but the granting of these powers to the Council will remove any subjectivity. It will help people get a quicker response to a problem with noise from their neighbours."
– Cllr Bob Cairns, City of Edinburgh Council's Executive Member for Environmental Services