Noise Pollution in Hong Kong

Like other large cities in the world, Hong Kong has its share of noise problems. Here you can learn about why noise is a problem, how it is produced by construction, traffic, aircraft and other sources, and the ways in which the Government keeps it under control.

Why is Noise a Problem?

As Hong Kong's economy has grown in recent decades, so too has the noise that comes from construction, commercial and industrial sources, and transport in this compact, densely populated city. If left unchecked, this sort of noise can lead to mental stress and hearing loss, and also can interfere with daily activities such as doing homework, watching television, talking on the telephone and sleeping. That's why the Government has made sure that major forms of environmental noise are under statutory control. The focus is on restricting noise from construction activities, neighbourhood, commercial and industrial activities, newly registered vehicles and air transport. Through planning and policy making in consultation with the public, the number of people who are exposed to unnecessary noise is also minimised.

Construction and Renovation Noise

Hong Kong is renowned for its city skyline, which is the result of a very active construction industry. To ensure that you are not unduly affected by the many construction activities, the Government manages construction noise under the Noise Control Ordinance. Construction and renovation noise could be mitigated by wider adoption of quieter construction methods and use of quieter and more environmentally friendly construction equipment. The issuance of construction noise permits for general construction work using powered mechanical equipment, and for prescribed construction work and percussive piling is also an effective way to mitigate construction noise. Noise emission labels are issued for air compressors and hand-held percussive breakers to make sure that they comply with stringent noise control standards. In order to minimize renovation noise, the Government has published a Code of Practice for providing general guidance on good management practices to prevent violation of the NCO, and introduced the "Pilot Scheme on Quiet Renovation" to promote the quiet renovation practice in the renovation industry.

Neighbourhood Noise

Neighbourhood noise from domestic premises and public places is restricted under the Noise Control Ordinance. As this type of noise is occasional and brief, it can be reported to the police for immediate assistance. But the important thing is to be considerate of others so that the noise you make won't be a bother.

Traffic Noise

The Government has made continual efforts in minimising existing traffic noise through providing professional advice to various Government departments on the design of new roads and nearby buildings, as well as retrofitting roadside barriers and resurfacing existing roads with low-noise materials. Vehicle noise is managed under the Noise Control (Motor Vehicles) Regulation, which stipulates that new vehicles for use in Hong Kong must meet European Union and Japanese noise control standards before registration.

Aircraft Noise and Noise from Commercial and Industrial Premises

The Government is conscious of the noise impact that aircraft operations may have on the local communities and have implemented a number of aircraft noise mitigating measures, including noise abatement operational procedures and operating restrictions on aircraft, to alleviate the noise disturbance caused by these aircraft. Aircraft noise and flight tracks are also monitored around the clock by a computer-based Aircraft Noise and Flight Track Monitoring System. Noise from commercial and industrial premises is restricted under the Noise Control Ordinance through a Noise Abatement Notice system. Upon the receipt of noise complaints, the Environmental Protection Department conducts investigations and assessments based on a set of statutory noise limits.