Policy Briefing 12: Noise

Policy Briefing 12: Noise PDF (135Kb)

Sounds on the streets are a natural and often enjojable part of the daily lives of people using them. Noise is not. One way of defining noise is as unwanted sound. Street noise can take many forms - transport noise, construction noise, loudspeaker noise - even noise from burglar alarms.

Noise can act as a deterrent to many people who would otherwise use and enjoy a public space. What is a pleasant or valuable addition to the street soundscape for some can be an intolerable, intrusive noise for others. Street noise is on the increase, and this policy briefing explains our policy, what the law says and what steps can be taken to tackle the problem.

We want to create living streets that are alive with sound but not polluted by noise.

Please download the attached pdf file for the full policy briefing.