During a TV news programme, Assistant Police Commissioner Raymond Zammit said residents are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their property. The police intend to measure the noise intensity generated from commercial activity, mainly entertainment venues. This would be a step in the right direction. In fact, similar activity is common practice in other European countries.

Zammit said a premises’ operating licence should specify the acceptable sound levels outside. The devil is in the detail.

How loud is excessive noise? For instance, the sound level (LAeq) from disco music is 106 dB (A), from a rock concert 110 dB (A) and from bars 95dB (A). The noise generated from such locations is the cause of untold hardship to residents.

What should the noise level be at a distance of one metre from the resident’s façade?

According to WHO and EU guidelines, the limit is 45dB (A).

A one-off noise level reading, especially in entertainment locations like Paceville, does not provide an accurate reading but would indicate whether a noise survey is necessary. Also, the noise levels need to be evaluated against some form of noise level criterion, which, so far, is not available in local regulations.

Since the regulator’s remit is to enforce the regulations, the acquisition of proof establishing the gravity of the infringement is also his responsibility. The police are then responsible for upholding the law.

The Environment Protection Act classifies noise as a form of pollution. However, the Noise Prevention and Control Regulation Framework, presented in 2012, is not yet in force.

There is concern about the possible effects of noise on health. It is essential that control of noise pollution will be put on the political agenda without further delay.

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