Significant Shorts : Laws to impose fines on noisy neighbours clears final hurdle

Laws to impose fines on noisy neighbours cleared a final hurdle in the Parliament yesterday. MPs accepted Lords' amendments to the Noise Bill, piloted by the Tory MP Harry Greenway (Ealing N) with cross-party and Government support, and it is clear to go for Royal Assent.

Peers' changes give the Secretary of State for the Environment the power to order councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to enforce the provisions. The Bill seeks to clamp down on loud music between 11pm and 7am and includes an on-the-spot pounds 100 fine, as well as a maximum pounds 1,000 penalty for cases that come to court.