National Noise Survey

A recent Ipsos survey indicates that nearly two thirds of people are bothered by noise from neighbours. The noises that disturb people most are those from everyday living - footsteps, doors slamming and shouting. The survey finds that noise from children bothers 16% of those surveyed and noise from cars and motor bikes, as well as shouting bothers 15%. The poll, commissioned by the National Society for Clean Air (NSCA) highlights neighbour noise issues affecting people across the UK at the start of Noise Action Week (see notes).

A recent Ipsos survey indicates that nearly two thirds of people are bothered by noise from neighbours. The noises that disturb people most are those from everyday living - footsteps, doors slamming and shouting. The survey finds that noise from children bothers 16% of those surveyed and noise from cars and motor bikes, as well as shouting bothers 15%. The poll, commissioned by the National Society for Clean Air (NSCA) highlights neighbour noise issues affecting people across the UK at the start of Noise Action Week (see notes).

Other key findings from the research include:

  • Around half a million people have moved home in the last year because of noise.
  • For one in ten, noise affects quality of life, with Londoners and those renting council properties suffering most.
  • Moreover, one in ten are kept awake by noise.

Notes

  • 1 Noise Action Week is an annual national campaign supported by the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Technical details

The Ipsos survey comprised in-home face-to-face interviews with 1,962 adults aged 15+ throughout Great Britain, with 162 interviews conducted in Scotland and 97 in Wales. The sample is nationally representative, and interviews were conducted in 195 sampling points between 16-21 March 2006. Results are weighted to the GB population profile in terms of gender, age, region & work status.

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