Website of the UK government

Road vehicles

Road vehicles have to meet certain noise-level standards. The police can take action if your vehicle's silencer does not work or if you are driving in a way that creates too much noise.

Road traffic noise

There are no specific legal limits on noise from roads, but noise levels might be taken into account when planning to build new roads or houses and offices near to roads.

Noise barriers or noise insulation, like secondary or double glazing, can reduce the problem. If noise from new roads exceeds certain limits at existing houses then as a householder you might be able to get a noise insulation grant. These are available through your local highway authority - your local council can tell you how to contact them.

• Find your local council
• Guidance from the Highways Agency Opens new window

Railway noise

People living close to railways might be affected by high noise levels, but there are no legal controls unless the noise is caused by a new railway affecting your property. In this case you might be able to get a noise insulation grant.

If particular trains are causing you a problem, you should speak to the company that runs those trains. You can find information on train operators on the National Rail website.

You may also find it useful to contact Network Rail's 24-hour helpline on 08457 114 141.

• Find a train operator Opens new window

Aircraft noise

The EU regulates noise at the following UK airports: Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester. 

There are more stringent restrictions at London City and Belfast City airports as they are near large cities.

Noise limits also vary depending on whether they are for day or night flights.

Measures to reduce noise include:

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website has general information and advice, including a downloadable factsheet on aircraft noise.

• More on the UK's aviation policies Opens new window
• CAA factsheet on aircraft noise (PDF, 615 Kb) Opens new window
• Help with PDF files
• Visit the BAA (formerly British Airports Authority) website Opens new window

How to complain about aircraft noise

If you want to complain about noise and low flying, you should get in touch with the airport concerned (you can find airport details on the BAA website) or make a report to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Military aircraft

Military aircraft are covered by different rules. You can complain about excessive noise or low flying from military aircraft through the Ministry of Defence (MOD) website.

• Visit the BAA (formerly British Airports Authority) website Opens new window
• Make a report to the CAA Opens new window
• Complain to MOD about low-flying military aircraft Opens new window

Noise maps

On the Noise Mapping England website you can find interactive noise maps for cities and large urban  areas. You can search by postcode and view airports. You can also download noise maps of the major transportation links between cities and large urban areas.

• Find a noise map in England Opens new window