New rules may make noise less of a headache
25/10/2008 13:36
Cai Wenjun and Dong Hui/Shanghai Daily news
Complaints
about noise in residential areas may be more effective in future, as Shanghai
city departments look to streamlining their responsibilities.
The city is
considering ways to solve disputes about noise such as barking dogs or loud home
renovations, following the examples of Beijing and Hong Kong, said officials
with Shanghai Public Security Bureau.
About 200,000 complaints about
environmental issues are made in Shanghai every year, with 40 to 50 percent
about noise.
In Beijing and Hong Kong, police can fine people making too much
noise if two people give evidence, officials said. So Shanghai is considering
proposals to collect evidence from property management companies and
residents.
Police can fine people up to 500 yuan (US$73) for disturbing the
public order, but evidence is hard to collect, said an official surnamed Yuan
with public security bureau.
"Policemen usually give a warning at first and
then fine people if they repeat their improper behavior," he said. "But the
fines aren't a deterrent and it would be good if the government issues a more
feasible rule on managing noise complaints."
Shanghai has several departments
monitoring noise. The environmental protection bureau covers noise from
factories and construction sites at night, urban management authorities cover
noise from construction sites in the day, and police deal with noise complaints
in the community.
Officials said all commercial venues, such as shopping
malls, karaoke bars, factories and supermarkets, are covered by national rules
on noise emission introduced this month.
Most local residential areas are
covered by the rules, which say a bedroom's noise exposure should be lower than
45 decibels during the day and 35 decibels at night.
"But the new standard
for community noise only covers sounds generated by commercial places, and
doesn't cover noise made by the public," said Xi Ailing, an official from
Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau.
"Noise in residential complexes is
usually dealt with by the property management company and
police."
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