Noise control amnesty may breach law

2 November 2005

A Lion Red-ZM Radio promotion, which offers to pay Noise Control fines for any listeners who get into trouble with Noise Control over parties may have legal ramifications, says the Christchurch City Council.

Council Environmental Effects Team Leader, Klaus Prusas, says it is possible the concept of the competition could be seen as inciting people to commit an offence, and those considering holding noisy parties because of the competition should think again.

The radio station is offering to pay up to $250 towards any infringement fines to “keep the party going this summer” and stop “party poopers who come and take your stereo away and slap you with a dirty fine”.

Mr Prusas says the $250 offered is not likely to cover all costs or guarantee that the Council would return any confiscated noise-producing equipment.

“All costs have to be paid up front by cash or EFTPOS before any such gear is released, and there are no ‘standard noise control fees’, as suggested by the radio station.

“The cost of breaching noise restrictions varies, depending on the circumstances. Some have been over $1000, and that doesn’t include infringement fees that can also be levied at $500, which is additional to the cost of confiscation of equipment,” Mr Prusas says.

Further legal action can also carry associated costs of up to $10,000.

“It’s just about being a considerate neighbour and it’s Neighbourhood Week this week so how can making so much noise make you a good neighbour?” Mr Prusas says.

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