Noise nuisance

In the first instance we would advise that you approach your neighbour directly in an attempt to resolve the situation. They may not be aware that the volume level is so high it can be heard by others. If you have already tried this you should contact the Environmental Health Department at your local authority - most departments have 24-hour cover so can be contacted at any time.

For long-term problems, you may be asked by your local authority to keep a diary of information about the noise, such as when it occurs, how loud it is etc., and in some cases you may be provided with some equipment to record the noise. These two steps are designed to gather evidence.

If the council then decides that someone is causing a statutory noise nuisance, they must issue a 'noise abatement' order (i.e. a chance for them to turn the noise down), which if broken can lead to a fine, although it is likely they will give your neighbour the opportunity to turn the TV / music down without further action. The whole process can take some time to complete.

The council may also issue warning notices in response to complaints about noise above permitted levels from 11pm to 7am. These warning notices can be used by councils for noise that’s not a statutory nuisance.

See the websites in Related Information to find your local authority and to report noise pollution.

The police can attend incidents like this and can ask the organisers to reduce the noise. However, the police have no powers of prosecution for noise offences, and it may be necessary for you to contact the Environmental Health Department at your local authority.

See the website in Related Information to find your local authority and to report noise pollution.

You should speak to your neighbour about the problem as they may not be aware that it is happening.

Unless there is any evidence of the dog being mistreated then the RSPCA will not be able to help. If you do believe that the dog is being mistreated, you can contact the RSPCA via their telephone number 0300 1234 999.

The noise could be classed as a noise nuisance so you would need to report it to the Environmental Health department at your local authority.

Please see the website in Related Information to report a noise complaint to your local authority.

If the car alarm is a false activation and not someone attempting to steal or break into the vehicle it would be advisable in the first instance to speak to your neighbour about the problem as they may not be aware what is happening. If the problem persists you should contact the Environmental Health department at your local council who have powers to deal with nuisance car alarms.

See the website in related information to find your local authority.

If you do see someone trying to break into a vehicle contact the police on 999 immediately.

At present legislation only provides the local authority with the power to take action against loud car stereos if the car is on private land or parked on the street. If there is a car/a group of cars that is parked up constantly on your street and the stereos are being played very loud then you need to make a complaint to your local authority.

The police also have powers to deal with cars playing loud music (whilst driving and stationary) although the officers would have to be present and hear the noise before they could take any action.

If it is a one-off occurrence then neither the police nor the local authority will be likely to take any action. If however it is a persistent problem then either contact the local authority or your local police via their 101 number.

See the website in related information to find your local authority.

• Low flying civilian aircraft
  Report to the Civil Aviation Authority, please see link in related information.
• Low flying military aircraft
  Report to the Ministry of Defence, please see link in related information.
• Low flying drone
  Report to your local police force.

As with any complaint of noise, you can report this to Environmental Services at your local authority. It may be possible to serve inconsiderate contractors with a noise abatement notice.

See the link in related information to find your local authority.

There are generally no legal restrictions on the times work may be carried out and sometimes it is necessary to work during unsociable hours for emergency repairs or to avoid traffic disruption.

If you can identify who is doing the work, for example, gas, electricity or water board, you may wish to contact them directly in the first instance.

The Police will only attend alarms installed in line with the National Police Chiefs' Council's (NPCC) Security Systems Policy. The majority of domestic alarms do not comply with that policy by virtue of the fact they are audible only systems.

The Police will also respond to domestic alarms, when there is some evidence of criminal activity. Should there be an activation and there is evidence of criminal activity or you see something suspicious, please dial 999. It is not advisable to put yourself in danger by making checks yourself.

If it appears to be a false activation, contact the police on their non-emergency number as they may have the owner's contact details on their database.

If it is a persistent problem, contact the local council or see the question in Related Information about noisy neighbours.