Noise Restrictions at Night

Night-time noise from construction works is regulated by local authorities under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Section 60 and Section 61 notices set specific conditions and limits for noise from construction at night.
Night working is generally defined as between 2300 and 0700 hours, though local definitions may vary.
Permitted noise levels at night are significantly lower than daytime — typically 45-55 dB(A) at the nearest receptor.
Breaching noise conditions can result in prosecution, fines, injunctions, and project shutdown orders.
BS 5228-1 provides guidance on noise prediction, assessment, and control for construction activities.
Best practicable means (BPM) must be employed to minimise noise from all night working activities.
Common noise sources at night include reversing alarms, generators, compressors, and concrete pours.
Noise monitoring at the site boundary and nearest receptors may be required as a planning condition.
Community liaison before and during night works reduces complaints and demonstrates responsible practice.

Legal compliance	The Environmental Protection Act 1990 and planning conditions impose strict noise limits that carry criminal penalties.
Protect neighbours	Night noise causes sleep disturbance, health impacts, and significant distress to nearby residents.
Prevent project delays	Noise complaints can trigger enforcement action, injunctions, and suspension of night working permissions.

Do

Don't

Check the Section 61 consent or planning conditions for permitted night noise levels
Use low-noise plant, equipment, and methods during all night working operations
Switch reversing alarms to broadband (white noise) type for all night working plant
Monitor noise levels at site boundaries and nearest receptors during night operations
Brief all operatives on the specific noise restrictions applying to the night shift
Position noisy equipment as far from residential receptors as the site layout allows
Use acoustic barriers and enclosures around generators, compressors, and fixed plant
Notify neighbouring residents in advance of planned night working dates and times
Record all noise monitoring data and retain for regulatory inspection and audit
Stop noisy activities immediately if monitoring shows levels exceeding permitted limits

DON'T carry out night works without checking the applicable noise limits and conditions
DON'T use standard tonal reversing alarms on plant during night working operations
DON'T run generators or compressors at night without acoustic enclosures or screening
DON'T ignore noise complaints from neighbours — investigate and respond to each one
DON'T exceed permitted noise levels assuming enforcement is unlikely at night
DON'T leave plant idling unnecessarily at night — shut down equipment when not in use
DON'T carry out high-noise activities such as piling or breaking during night hours
DON'T skip noise monitoring when it is required by the consent or planning condition
DON'T forget to inform the community liaison team of night working schedules in advance
DON'T assume daytime noise limits apply at night — night limits are significantly lower

See also: Night Working Safety Awareness | Noise Management (Community Impact)

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