Hungary enacts new regulations on noise pollution

The Hungarian government has enacted new regulations aimed at protecting residential areas from excessive noise and vibration, while existing rules have been extended to include hotels, restaurants, hospitals and other public places. The regulations were recently published in the Magyar Közlöny official gazette, reports privatbankar.hu.

Starting on January 1, 2008, authorities may fine companies responsible for excessive noise emissions based on a review conducted every six months. The overall limits considered acceptable are laid out in the directive, along with certain variations dependent on the function of the geographic area in question.

Under the new rules, the authorities are entitled to carry out tests to measure compliance, and to force those responsible for emitting noise or vibrations to do the same. The regulations also lay out the relevant chain of authority, with local officials having precedence.

New businesses and other establishments that emit noise or vibrations will only be permitted if they comply with the regulations, and if these limits are exceeded, a firm deadline for compliance will be given.

Meanwhile, the regulations include a moratorium on the issuing of construction permits in areas that are considered to suffer from excessive noise pollution. Apparently, even the construction of a new cemetery would not be allowed in such areas.

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