There are limits to the amount of noise that vehicles can make on public roads. This applies to all types of vehicles.

In general, larger vehicles with bigger engines are able to make more noise.

Noise limits on tyres

There are noise limits on tyres and from November 2012 all new tyres will be graded and labelled to show how noisy they are.

Modified exhaust systems

It's illegal to modify the exhaust system to make a vehicle noisier after it has been 'type approved' (checked it meets environmental and safety standards).

The police can also take action if your vehicle’s silencer doesn't work in the way it was designed or if you're driving in a way that creates too much noise.

There's no legal limit to road noise, although noise levels might be taken into account when new roads or houses and offices near roads are planned.

Planned new roads

When planning a new road local highway authorities assess how the noise at your property will change when the road opens.

If noise from a new road exceeds certain levels at your home you might be able to get compensation in the form of sound insulation.

To apply, or if you’re worried about the noise from a planned road scheme, contact your highway authority – get their details from your local council.

Compulsory purchase and road noise

When a new road is built, it often involves the 'compulsory purchase' of land to make way for the road.

You might be able to get compensation if a compulsory purchase means you become affected by road noise. Find out more by reading:

• the compulsory purchase procedure
• the impact of nuisances caused by public works

There are no legal limits to noise from existing railways.

However, if you think that noise levels are affecting your health you should contact your local council who will investigate on your behalf.

If noise from a new railway affects your property you might be able to get compensation in the form of sound insulation for your home.

You’ll need to contact the relevant rail authority. Ask your local council for more details.

If particular trains are causing you a problem, speak to the company running those trains.

Find information on train operators on the National Rail website or call Network Rail.

Network Rail 24-hour helpline
Telephone: 08457 114 141
Find out about call charges

Noise is regulated to some extent at all UK airports. This can include noise limits and restrictions on night flights.

Aircraft paths are generally designed, where possible, to fly over the least populated areas.

Some airports operate grant schemes to install sound insulation in affected homes. Contact the airport that affects you to find out if they run one.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published more information on aircraft noise and emissions in a factsheet.

Download the CAA factsheet (PDF, 1.7MB)

Complaining about aircraft noise

To complain about noise or aircraft activities in general, get in touch with the relevant airport.

Military aircraft

Military aircraft are covered by different rules.

To complain about military aircraft noise or low flying military aircraft, go to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) website.

There are strategic noise maps for England on the Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) website.

These estimate noise from:

• major roads - those with more than 6 million vehicle passages annually
• major railways - those with more than 60,000 train passages annually
• major airports - those with more than 50,000 aircraft movements annually (except for training on light aircraft)

They also estimate noise in urban areas (with populations greater than 250,000 and a certain population density).