Noise control of car alarms

A misfiring car alarm in the street that is causing a noise nuisance can be dealt with under Environmental Protection Act 1990 due to an amendment inserted by the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993.

The Council will make reasonable attempts to find the person responsible for the vehicle, including making enquiries of the Police. While enquiries are being made, a notice will be affixed to the vehicle and, if the responsible person cannot be found within one hour, the Council can authorise works to abate the nuisance. This will mean, for example, entry to the vehicle to silence the alarm, or if this is not possible, the removal of the vehicle to a secure location.

If the Council abates the nuisance, the keeper of the vehicle will be responsible for all expenses reasonably incurred by it in carrying out the works. These can be several hundred pounds.

A person who removes or interferes with a notice fixed to the vehicle shall be guilty of an offence unless he/she is, or does so with the authority of, the person responsible for the vehicle. 

You can make a complaint during normal working hours by contacting the Environmental Health service. Outside normal office hours and at weekends you can contact the Environmental Health service by telephoning the Council's Control Centre.

Page last reviewed 14 Apr 2008