§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his Department's policy on the use of car alarms and the impact on noise pollution during the night. [39896]
§ Mr. NorrisCar alarms are a positive deterrent to car crime. I am aware, however, of the concern felt about their potential for noise nuisance and will shortly be consulting on regulations which will reduce the maximum period of audible alarm signal permitted to 30 seconds for new alarms and prohibit the use of audible signals to confirm setting or unsetting of the alarm system. These changes, while not compromising the security value of alarms, should considerably reduce any noise nuisance.
Noise nuisance can also now be tackled in the street by environmental health officers. Powers under the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993, permit EHOs to forcibly enter cars, in certain circumstances, to disable illegally sounding devices which are causing a noise nuisance.