Noise complaints soar along with temperatures

29 October 2008

With summer on the way, noise control complaints have begun to rise.

On an average month, the North Shore City Council’s noise control team receives between 300 and 500 complaints.

In the height of summer that figure can rise as high as 850: that’s 28 complaints a day. On a single hot summer night, up to 90 callouts can be received.

Although stereos are a common cause of noise complaints, they are by no means the sole problem.

Burglar alarms, machinery and even a few people gathered round the barbie can all trigger noise problems. On a still night, voices can carry long distances, especially as conversation volume rises at a social event.  

Council environmental protection team leader Duffy Visser says that most of these problems could easily be avoided.

“All it takes is a bit of forethought and consideration and your neighbourhood need not be disrupted by noise, even in the summer when we all spend more time outside,” she says.

“While it is not always possible to avoid making a noise, there are a few steps you can take beforehand. This shows consideration for your neighbours and may prevent a visit from noise control.”

When a party or event is being planned, it is a good idea to tell neighbours who might be affected. A personal visit is ideal, but a note in the letterbox is also effective.

“Tell your neighbours what the event is, when it will start, how they can contact you if they find the noise excessive, and – importantly – what time you expect the event to stop.”

Mrs Visser says that taking these steps may mean that your neighbours are more tolerant of noise “but keep in mind that they are still entitled to complain to noise control if they find the noise excessive and distressing.”

ENDS

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