Car Alarms
As the theft of motor vehicles is rising, the installation of factory fitted or 'do-it-yourself' anti-theft devices to cars is on the increase.
Faults can develop with car alarms leading to the persistent sounding of the siren which can cause considerable distress to local residents.
The Law
Under the provisions of the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993, noise from vehicles in the street may be a statutory nuisance. The Borough Council has powers to take action against those who allow the nuisance to occur.
Car alarms are considered to cause a statutory nuisance if they sound for more than 1 hour, after which notices can be served on the vehicle owner.
The notice allows the Council to abate the nuisance, if necessary by forcibly entering the vehicle or removing it to a suitable place in order to silence the alarm.
The Borough Council also has powers to recover any costs incurred in taking this action from the owner or the keeper of the vehicle involved.
What should you do?
- Make sure your vehicle alarm is fitted by
a competent installer and check that it has an automatic
cut-out which will silence it shortly after it has been
activated.
- Check your alarm regularly to make sure
it is still operating correctly. Faults can develop with
bonnet switches, the alarm electrics, or wires can become
chaffed or worn.
- If your alarm develops a fault, have it
rectified immediately.
- You will avoid the inconvenience of possibly having your vehicle removed and it is likely to be much cheaper than paying the costs incurred to silence the alarm if it causes a problem.
Further information can be obtained from:
DEFRA - Bothered by Noise leaflet (this is an external hyperlink)
For further information please email us or telephone Environmental Health during normal office hours on 01329 236100.
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