Enforcement of the Noise Control Ordinance is carried out by both the Police and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). The Police respond to complaints about neighbourhood noise, public place noise, construction noise, product noise and intruder alarms, whereas the EPD investigates complaints on noise from industrial or commercial premises, and construction sites.

Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 on first conviction and $200,000 on further convictions.

In 2010, there were 76 prosecutions for construction noise, 15 prosecutions for industrial and commercial noise and 2 prosecutions for obstructing enforcement duty of public officer.

Controls on Construction, Industrial and Commercial Noise

Construction noise is controlled under the Noise Control Ordinance using a permit system. Statutory controls on construction noise and the number of permits issued in 2010 are summarised in Table 1 and Figures 1 to 3. Hand-held percussive breakers and air compressors are controlled by a label system (Figure 4).

Industrial and commercial noise is controlled by the Noise Abatement Notice (NAN). Complaints received are investigated and NANs are issued to those failing to comply with the required limits. Prosecution action would follow and normally result in fines being imposed on the offenders.

Table 1 - Statutory Controls on Construction Noise Applicable to Different Operations at Different Times

	Weekdays	Sundays & Public Holidays
0700 Hours	Permits Needed for Percussive Piling Unrestricted Use of Powered Mechanical Equipment
1900 Hours	No Percussive Piling Permits Needed for Use of Powered Mechanical Equipment Permits needed for the use of Specified Powered Mechanical Equipment and/or carrying out of Prescribed Construction Work in Designated Areas
0700 Hours