Frequently Asked Questions
Noise, Construction Information, Penalty Notice
How and when can I contact the Pollution Team?
Give the Hackney Service Centre a call on 020 8356 4455. They will register your complaint with the Pollution Team. Please note that anonymous calls cannot be acted on so you will be required to provide your details when you call.
Out of hours calls are handled by answer phone during the hours detailed below. Outside of this a message invites callers to call back on the next available working day.
Monday to Friday: 08:00 to 18:00
Calls will be taken by the Hackney Service Centre and passed onto the Noise Pollution Team for action.
Out of hours: Thursday to Sunday
Calls will be forwarded to a mobile phone and accessed by the Duty Noise Officers as follows:
- Thursday and Sunday: 18.30 - 02.00
- Friday and Saturday: 21.00 - 05.00
At all other times callers are invited to phone back on the next working day.
What noises can I contact the Pollution Team about?
You can make reports about the following types of noises:
- DIY
- Loud music (from domestic or commercial sources)
- Banging
- Animals (dogs), birds (love birds, cockerels crowing)
- Car stereos (stationary vehicles only – over 5mins)
- Chanting and singing
- Preachers with loud hailers – indoors or outdoors
- Noise from rowdy behaviour from patrons leaving pubs/clubs or other entertainment events
Please note the following:
- For anti-social behavior problems: general rowdy behavior, kids playing football at night – please contact the local police or Estate Wardens (if on an estate).
- For loud voices, doors slamming, children running about at night – please contact your Neighbourhood Housing Office (if Hackney Homes or Housing Association) in the first instance.
When can I be noisy?
There really is no good time for excessively loud noise, so keep it under control as everyone has the right to peace and quiet.
How do I complain about commercial, residential and car alarms?
Call Hackney Service Centre on 020 8356 4455 who will pass on the complaint to Pollution Team.
Officers will attempt to locate key holder but will take legal steps to enter and disconnect alarm forcibly if the key holder cannot be located. The cost of the exercise will be passed onto the householder.
When is noisy work on building sites permissible?
Noise from building sites is permissible Monday - Friday (08.00 - 18.00) and Saturday (08.00 - 13.00); no noise on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
Outside of these hours, please give the Hackney Service Centre a call on 020 8356 4455.
How do I get advice on sound insulation?
If you are a Hackney Homes or Housing Association tenant please contact your Housing Officer/Neighbourhood Office.
Page updated: 20 Apr 2007