A scrap metal dealer has been fined more than £1,500 for causing a noise disturbance to Coventry residents.
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John Paul Waldron, of Westfield Road, Birmingham, was found guilty of eight offences of using a loudspeaker in the street to advertise a trade or business.
Using a loudspeaker in the street to advertise a trade is an offence under Section 62 of The Control of Pollution Act 1974. Exemptions include loudspeakers used by the emergency services, travelling circuses and ice cream vans.
The offences were committed on a number of dates between May and September 2013 in the north east of Coventry.
Coventry City Council received complaints from four residents who had suffered noise disturbance through the playing of music and chanting of phrases such as ‘old iron’ through speakers attached to a vehicle.
Council officers were able to trace Mr Waldron through resident’s descriptions of his vehicle and were able to obtain his details through the DVLA.
Mr Waldron was sent five warning letters from Council Officers from the Environmental Protection team but he failed to either respond to the letters or any invitations to attend interviews.
The 31-year-old was found guilty in his absence and ordered to pay a total of £1,608 and a £20 victim surcharge.
Councillor Bally Singh, Vice Chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, welcomed the prosecution.
He said: “This fine sends out a strong message to scrap metal dealers that using loud speakers on their vehicles as they drive around the city is disturbing Coventry residents and it will not be tolerated.
“I’d like to thank the residents that were involved in this case and were willing to stand up for their community. Any resident who witnesses a scrap metal collector using loud speakers should note down the date and time, the vehicle registration and a description of the vehicle and report it to the Environmental Protection team by phoning 0500 834 333.”
