Noise from loudspeakers in the street
It’s an offence to use loudspeakers at any time to advertise entertainment, trade or business.
It’s an offence to use loudspeakers for any purpose in the street at night between 9pm and 8am.
When loudspeakers can be used
Loudspeakers can be used:
- in emergencies or as a public address system
- in or fixed to vehicles, if the rules below are followed
- at a travelling pleasure fair
- to direct a vessel
- if we have given consent
In emergencies or for public information
Loudspeakers can be used in an emergency or as a public address system. They can be used by:
- councils
- the police
- the fire brigade
- the ambulance service
- the Environment Agency
- water or sewage companies
- public transport operators to make passenger announcements, but not on a highway
On vehicles
If used in a way unlikely to give reasonable cause for annoyance, loudspeakers can also be used if they’re in or fixed to a vehicle.
The loudspeaker must be operated solely to either:
- warn other traffic – like a horn
- entertain drivers or passengers
- communicate with passengers or drivers
- alert people that fresh food or drink is on sale – for example, chimes on ice cream vans – but without speaking, and only from midday to 7pm
Reporting loud music or loudspeakers in the street
If you have a problem with loud music or entertainment noise from neighbours, pubs, clubs or in the street, you can report a noise nuisance.