Taking action on noise pollution

Gaetano Mallia's letter (Noise Pollution, August 3) reflects what people think about the authorities with regard to law enforcement, particularly when dealing with noise pollution. I am not the only one to complain about the nuisance from noise pollution; similar complaints have appeared in previous editions. So much so that in this same issue another letter appeared under the heading Golden Bay Disco and surely many people including tourists are annoyed repeatedly.

I believe the public is entitled to know what action is being taken to ensure law enforcement in this respect.

PC Chris Mangion, for the Commissioner of Police in a letter that appeared in The Sunday Times on February 11, 2007 wrote: "It is to be pointed out that the emission of noise from licensed premises is regulated by Legal Notice 1 of 2006, wherein it is clear that breaches of the legal specifications set out by law, and in all other cases where noise disturbance results, the police are to take action by the immediate closure of the premises or the stopping of the activity, even though at law this is considered a contravention. The police deny that there was any indication on their part in such instances."

It does not mean that public wharves that are leased to the private sector and operate under the term "multifunctional" do not abide by the state laws.

I would consider it a very alarming situation indeed, as stated by Mr Mallia, if the authorities did nothing about noise pollution and it would be foolish for the residents of the Grand Harbour area to abandon hope. Francis Bacon, a philosopher, once said "there is no comparison between that which is lost by not succeeding and that which is lost by not trying".

As an EU member state, unquestionably much more can be done to honour the solemn promise of enjoying a better quality life in our homes.