Transport noise

It is possible that noise from car exhausts could constitute a statutory nuisance within the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 - but this is unlikely.

The primary legislation aimed at dealing with such noise is the Motor Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. These regulations lay down maximum permitted noise levels from exhausts and the regulations are enforced by the police and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Other legal provision which may be applicable are common law nuisance (see our webpage on statutory nuisance) and section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Both of these allow individuals to take their own legal action and may offer a more speedy remedy than we can offer using our powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Under some circumstances the activity may be controlled by an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) which can be obtained from a court by the Community Safety Department or the Police. However, it should be noted that ASBOs can only be granted by a court all other appropriate legal channels have been tried by the local authority and have failed.

If your concern relates to exhaust noise from a neighbour's vehicle (rather than an unknown person regularly using the road by your house) we would advise you to speak to your neighbours in the first instance. They may be unaware of the degree of disturbance they are causing.

You can read guidance notes and how to make a complaint about noise here.

We will need to know exactly where the activity is taking place, when it may be witnessed by our officers and any other relevant information.