Loudspeakers and chimes

Under the Control of Pollution Act 1974:

• you cannot use loudspeakers (including chimes) in the street for advertising entertainments, trades or business.
• loudspeakers for other uses are restricted to the hours between 8am and 9pm
• we can licence use outside of these hours but not for advertising purposes or electioneering
• vehicles selling perishable foods may use loudspeakers between 12 noon and 7pm and these times can be varied with local authority consent

Those found guilty of using a loudspeaker illegally in the street are liable to a maximum fine of £5,000 for the first or subsequent offence. 'Street' includes a highway and any other road, footway, square or court which is open to the public.

The Council can consent to their operation for non-advertising purposes outside the 8am to 9pm time band in certain circumstances but must consider the effect on the surrounding area before doing so.

There are some exceptions to the controls for example, when used by the emergency services, public transport services or were permitted by the Council.