Noisy neighbours face £100 fines

Richard Lee demonstrates the noise meters that will be used

Noisy neighbours could face £100 on-the-spot fines under a new scheme being trialled in Hampshire.

Portsmouth City Council officers, armed with noise meters, could hand out the fixed penalty notices to residents during an initial six-month project.

It comes after the city council's noise service took 2,504 noise complaints last year, about 80% of which concerned music being played too loudly.

The council said it would use the fines only as a last resort.

Richard Lee, Portsmouth pollution control manager, said: "It's a positive step.

"We are not party police, but when neighbours are not listening to the issues then I hope that being aware that there can be penalties will resolve the problems."

Alan Hawes from advice line Noise Direct, said: "Through the summer people are outdoors a lot more having barbeques and entertaining," he said.

"For that reason you see a peak in complaints."