HC Deb 03 November 2003 vol 412 cc421-2W
Mr. Edwards

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will bring forward proposals to amend the statutory noise nuisance provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to include excessive noise from cars driven off road on public open spaces. [134394]

Mr. Bradshaw

The Government see no need to amend the existing provisions under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 which could be used to abate excessive noise from cars driven off road on public open spaces. Police lead on this issue as they have a wide range of relevant powers, and unlike local authority officers, are able to pursue offenders across ground.

From 1 January 2003 the police have new powers under sections 59 and 60 of the Police Reform Act 2002 to seize vehicles, which are being driven in a careless and inconsiderate manner, and in a way which causes alarm, distress or annoyance.