A special programme has been initiated by the Alicante City Council to monitor and sanction violations of the municipal ordinance on Protection against Noise Pollution. The programme will be conducted with the assistance of approximately 50 night duty officers until September 30th. The campaign will concentrate on the nocturnal hours, specifically between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., when the population is most susceptible to noise disturbances.
The goal, which has been previously announced by Mayor Luis Barcala and has been initiated by Councillor for Security Julio Calero, is to guarantee the right of citizens to rest, enhance the quality of life in neighbourhoods, and assure adherence to current regulations.
Julio Calero underscored that “this campaign will continue until the end of the summer with the objective of reducing the number of complaints during nighttime hours, increasing awareness among citizens and businesses about the significance of adhering to noise limits, acting proactively and dissuasively in the most problematic areas, and ensuring the effective enforcement of the Ordinance’s sanctioning regime.”
Up to 12,000 euros in fines
Violations are classified as minor, severe, and very serious under the Noise Pollution Protection Ordinance. The corresponding licences or authorisations are permanently revoked, and fines ranging from €12,001 to €300,000 are imposed for very substantial violations. The environmental licence may be suspended for a period ranging from one month and one day to one year in the event of serious violations, which are punishable by penalties of €601 to €12,000. Fines of up to €600 are imposed for minor infractions.
The Councillor for Security clarified that the scope of this special operation will be particularly concentrated on leisure areas, streets with a high concentration of hospitality establishments, parks, squares, and residential areas with a history of noise complaints.
The primary objective of police actions will be to address complaints, with immediate responses to enquiries from citizens regarding noise disturbances. Calibrated apparatus will be employed to conduct sound level measurements to guarantee that the ordinance’s sanctions are being enforced effectively. Interventions will be implemented on public streets to address instances of shouting, chanting, speeding, and loud vehicle stereos that disrupt the calm. Furthermore, inspections of the premises will be conducted to ensure that they are in compliance with licensing, closing times, music playing, and boisterous activities.
Observing additional sounds
Controls on construction activities outside of permitted hours, the use of “free exhaust” in vehicles or driving with loud music and car windows open, the use of loud devices on public roads or that affect the outside environment without authorisation, and loud noise at private parties during established hours, except on Fridays, Saturdays, and the eve of public holidays, when restrictions will be placed on the noise level from midnight to 8 a.m. are also being considered.
When necessary, the Urban Planning Discipline Unit will authorise sound level meter measurements to substantiate all of these actions. According to Julio Calero, “The Local Police will enforce compliance with the ordinance and may verbally request the cessation of activities that affect residents’ rest. In appropriate cases and based on criteria of proportionality, the Local Police may even proceed to dissolve or evict residents.”
Outdoor dining areas, leisure areas, and beaches are all under control
To this end, the police operation encompasses the monitoring of alcohol consumption in public spaces, the surveillance of establishments, outdoor seating and terraces, and commotion on beaches. It also encompasses the inspection of insulation and sound barriers, the arrangement of outdoor seating, the arrangement of furniture being dragged, live or broadcast music, commotion from crowds, and the checking of closing times.
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