Noise pollution

Building and Vehicle Alarms

How we deal with alarm noise

We usually deal with alarms in the following ways:

  • if a noise nuisance is witnessed by one of our Officers, we will try to contact the owner of the vehicle or premises and ask that they turn off the alarm
  • if this is not possible, we will serve a legal notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, requiring that they stop the nuisance
  • if the nuisance is not stopped within the specified time, we may employ a contractor to carry out the necessary work to stop the noise
  • the owner of the premises or car will then be charged for the cost of the work (including VAT) plus our administration. The owner can also be prosecuted

If you are being disturbed by an alarm you could:

  • ask your neighbours as they may know if one of your other neighbours has a key and can stop the alarm
  • if there is a number on the alarm box you could try to call this number to stop the alarm

How to avoid us taking action

Building alarms on premises

  • you should make sure that if you install an audible intruder alarm, you fit the alarm with a cut off switch to stop the alarm from sounding for more than 20 minutes
  • you should tell your neighbours of the names and addresses of 2 key holders who can be contacted if the alarm is set off
  • make sure that each key holder can reach the property within 20 minutes. They should also be familiar with the property and the alarm system installed. You should make arrangements so that at least one key holder is available at any time
  • your alarm system should be installed in compliance with the relevant code of practice

Vehicle alarms

All vehicle owners should ensure that their vehicle alarms are regularly maintained.

Contact Environmental Health

Telephone: 01702 215005

Go to top