How authorities deal with those disturbing the peace

Often residents raise concerns about noise pollution, especially music that exceeds acceptable levels. The EMPD confirmed that residents of Ekurhuleni have legal recourse for persistent noise levels.

According to EMPD spokesperson Lerato Monyane, disturbing noise level is governed by municipal by-laws and is enforced by the EMPD and environmental health department.

What does municipal law say about noisy residents in the City?

No unacceptable noise that disturbs peace is allowed.

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What would be examples of disturbing noise except loud music?

It ranges from loud industrial drilling and excessive revving of vehicles to domestic animal noise.

When and how do you tell if noise has reached an unacceptable level or become intrusive and impacting on residents’ right to enjoy the ordinary comfort and convenience of their homes?

A physical test on complaint lodged and technical instrument test used by registered environmental health inspectors.

What are the various penalties available if found the noise exceeds the specified levels?

According to Ekurhuleni metro by-law regulation 42 (4), and R1 500 fine for loud music and R1 000 fine for disturbing public peace.

How prevalent or often does your department receive noise complaints, loud music in particular?

Very often.

Is your department equipped enough to deal with the series of complaints?

No, instruments to test loud music are for environmental health workers as they are appointed and trained to conduct the tests. The inspectors are not enough to cover the entire City of Ekurhuleni, and the times the complaints are taking place the health inspectors are off duty.

EMPD has to arrange with them prior. Where noise is a nuisance, EMPD approaches the contraveners and warns them to stop and/or issue fines.

Report noisy neighbours

Are you regularly subjected to numerous noise levels that exceed the specified levels and municipal by-laws and environment legislation? If the answer is yes, you can report the noisy residents to Ekurhuleni’s Call Centre on 086 054 3000 or at the following offices (only during office hours):

• Eastern region on 011 999 8660 or 8489
• Northern Region on 011 999 5041
• Southern Region on 011 999 5988
• By-law Compliance Centre on 011 999 3425

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,  or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za