Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

11% Of Scots Disturbed By Commercial Noise

20th May 2007

As the 2007 Noise Action Week roars into action today (21 May 2007) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) advises Scottish businesses how to avoid noise nuisance through NetRegs.

Sound affects us all and industry noise can represent a statutory nuisance. The NetRegs website can answer questions like: What is a statutory nuisance? How do you know if a nuisance exists? What can you do to avoid creating a nuisance?

The NetRegs website also provides information on noise and allows Scottish businesses to register for e-alerts direct to inboxes. These alerts deliver news on the latest changes to environmental legislation and provide innovative examples of good practice.

The 2005 and 2006 Mori surveys revealed that 18% of Scots are exposed to commercial noise. In 2006, 11% reported this noise disturbed them, an increase of 2%. Additionally, 15% of Scots heard noise from pubs, clubs or entertainment venues, with 5% being disturbed by such noise.

Claudette Hudes, NetRegs lead at SEPA said: "Unwanted noise can seriously affect people's lives and businesses need to be aware of this. Noise nuisance can result in action which could impact business activities. Noise Action Week provides everyone involved in noise control an opportunity to raise awareness of environmental problems and NetRegs can provide helpful practical guidance."

In addition, as part of the Environmental Noise Directive (END), noise maps for Scotland will soon be delivered.

Martin Valenti, SEPA's noise expert said: "The first noise maps for Scotland are almost ready. Across Europe, member states are preparing noise maps for their busiest cities, in Scotland, strategic noise maps for Edinburgh and Glasgow are being finalised showing the noise levels from road, rail and air transportation. Also included is noise from industrial premises and SEPA is collating noise data from large industrial areas to include in the maps. Once prepared, SEPA will assist, in partnership with key environmental bodies, in preparing action plans to reduce and control excessive noise in the environment."

During Noise Action Week, NetRegs will be present at both, the Lanark Scottish Beef Fayre - Lanark Agricultural Centre, Hyndford Road, Lanark, and Tayside and North Fife Business Advice Open Day, The Apex City Quay Hotel, Dundee.

For more information see
http://www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/