Ban threat on loud music after 10pm
By Kate Sikora
June 07, 2007 01:05amNew noise control legislation in NSW
No noisy parties, loud music or loud cars
Police able to issue $200 spot fines
NOISY late-night parties, loud music after 10pm and continuous car alarms will be banned under new laws to be introduced by the NSW Government.
Musicians who play their instruments after 10pm on a weeknight could face an on-the-spot fine of up to $200 under the legislation.
The laws will also make it harder for revheads to use overtly loud mufflers on their hotted-up cars.
From today the Government's changes to the Noise Control Regulation will go on public display.
It is the first time in five years the laws have been altered.
After-midnight parties shut down
Under the proposal, residents whose sound systems are too loud after 10pm during the week can expect a knock on their door by police.
Parties that continue after midnight at weekends will also be shut down.
The law states a stereo or musical instrument is deemed "offensive" if it can be heard next door in a habitable room.
Car owners who have a faulty security alarm will now face a fine of up to $600 if the piercing siren exceeds four hours.
All alarms are supposed to have a cut-off mechanism after 45 seconds.
Recent figures reveal almost 23 calls every day are made to the Government's noise complaint hotline.
Loud cars and noise from air-conditioning pumps are the source of most of the complaints.
Jump in car noise complaints
Environment and Conservation Department figures show complaints against excessive car noise have risen dramatically in the past four years - jumping to almost 1000 reports a year.
Environment Minister Verity Firth said excessive noise from vehicles caused major concern to families.
"We want to give the community the chance to have their say on how the Government can help make their neighbourhoods and communities more peaceful," she said.
"The current review will ensure our laws continue to reflect community standards on what degree of noise from things like amplified music, air conditioners, power garden tools ... are acceptable in residential areas."
Drivers who modify their cars are being specifically targeted under the changes to make it harder for them to cheat the system.
Previously drivers would stuff their mufflers with devices to pass noise tests.
But Ms Firth said the Government was hoping to ultimately remove the noisy mufflers from the streets.
One in seven complains
It is estimated 1.5 million Sydneysiders are exposed to outdoor noise levels that affect their quality of life.
In a 2004 department survey, one in seven people said they had made a noise complaint in their lifetime.
"I encourage residents interested in this to make the most of the opportunity," Ms Firth said.
The laws will not change the restrictions in place for household machinery such as leaf blowers and chainsaws.
This is fucked!
No more SingStar at 3am...
Yikes!
