‘Plug-pulling’ powers to be used ‘rarely’

Press, 2 November 1981, Page 12

‘Plug-pulling’ powers to be used ‘rarely’

PA Wellington The more drastic provisions of the proposed noisecontrol legislation would only be used rarely, according to the deputy director, Division of Public Health in the Health Department, Mr A. L. Thorstensen.

Part of the proposed law provides for power supply authorities to disconnect the electricity to houses using noisy stereos.

According to Mr Thorstensen, such a step would come only after previous attempts to reduce the volume of noise had failed. The law would provide for a significant amount of discretion on the part of local bodies, the

police, and power boards. He said the first step was for the local body to deliver a noise abatement notice, which in most cases would be effective, “in much the same way that most noise complaints are dealt with now.”

Failing this, a local body officer may enter the premises, with police assistance if necessary, to abate the noise.

Finally, if the occupier refuses entry, the power supply authority may be asked to disconnect power. “Over the last year there have been only one or two incidents which would have warranted ‘pulling the plug.’

“If they continue at the rate of three or four a year, each of the «70 power boards in New Zealand will be calles out, on average, once every 20 years,” said Mr sen. I “This is a far cry from the picture conjured up by representatives of sonie power boards, who by thei own admission have not reai the bill, of linemen baled ui power poles by maddenei crowds. , “Ultimately, their action: will be judged by the com munity, and ultimately, eacl community will secure level of noise control whiql it is prepared to impose or itself/’ he said.