Car alarms

To help protect our vehicles, the installation of factory fitted or home-fitted anti-theft devices, such as car alarms, is increasing. Faults can develop, leading to persistent sounding of sirens which can cause considerable distress to local residents.

The law

As part of the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993, noise from vehicles in the street may be a statutory nuisance. We have powers to take action against people who allow this nuisance to happen. Car alarms are considered to cause a statutory nuisance if they sound for more than one hour, after which notices can be served on the vehicle's owner. The notice allows us to abate the nuisance, if necessary by forcibly getting into the vehicle or moving it to a suitable place to silence the alarm. We can also recover any costs incurred in doing this 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, alarm electrics or wires becoming worn
• If your alarm develops a fault, have it rectified immediately.

By doing these things, you will avoid the possibility of having your vehicle removed. It is likely to be much cheaper than paying costs to silence the alarm if it causes a problem.

You can see more information in DEFRA - Bothered by noise leaflet 

If you wish to discuss anything, please email regulatory@fareham.gov.uk or telephone us during office hours on 01329 236100.