What we're doing - noisy neighbours

Page content

Night Watch is a night-time noise service run by Newcastle City Council. Anyone experiencing noise problems can report them and a team of trained officers will call out and try to address the problem there and then.

Call Night Watch on the Neighbourhood Helpline on 0300 1000 101 between 8pm and 4am, seven days a week.

Everyone has a different opinion on what noise is and reactions can differ. Because of this it is important an independent assessment is carried out. The Night Watch Officer will use his or her skills, training and experience to decide whether noise is a nuisance.

A number of factors are considered to determine if noise is a nuisance. These include:

• the level and type of noise
• its duration
• how frequently the noise occurs
• the time of day or night when the noise occurs
• the behaviour of those invovled
• what measures could reduce or modify the noise
• the characteristics of the neighbourhood where the noise occurs
• the numner of persons affected

Night Watch officers will assess and monitor the noise levels on the spot. If it exceeds and acceptable level (more than 10 decibels above background noise) a warning notice will be given and they will ask for the noise to be reduced.

If the problem persists of begins again, a fixed penalty notice for £100 will be issued. Night Watch officers may even confiscate equipment.

Failure to pay the fixed penalty notice within 14 days will lead to court proceedings. The Council could also seek permission from the courts to destroy equipment if noise continues.