Environmental problems Tackle a noise problem

Noise from alarms

Alarms fitted to your home/business or vehicle should not become a source of nuisance to your neighbours, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that any alarm activated should ring for:

  • a maximum 20 minutes – home/business; and
  • your vehicle alarm should have a 5 minute cut-out device fitted.

Don't go away on holiday without notifying your neighbour or a contact - nominate a key holder who lives locally.

Ice cream van chimes should not sound before 12 noon and after 7pm or longer than four seconds, see the code of practice for more information.

If we agree there is an issue a Notice will be served requiring action to be taken to fix the problem within a specified time scale.  If action is not taken, then we can obtain a warrant to enter the property - a locksmith will be hired to stop the alarm ringing. The persons responsible for the property will then be recharged all cost.

The same procedure will be followed for complaints about vehicle alarms however, a warrant is not necessary to access or tow away a vehicle if it is parked in the street.

Was this page helpful?

Fields marked * cannot be left blank

Feedback submitted to us on this form is monitored but you won’t receive a reply. In an emergency, visit our emergency contact details page. Please don't include any personal or financial information, for example your National Insurance or credit card numbers.