Activists against noise pollution want Barcelona City Police officers to incorporate sound level meters into their usual equipment. The idea is that the measurements of these devices allow municipal police officers to impose sanctions, both on individuals and on economic activities just at the moment when the inconvenience is occurring.
This is a demand from the recently formed Xarxa Veïnal Contra el Soroll aimed above all at protecting citizen rest. La Xarxa understands that the government of Mayor Jaume Collboni should take advantage of the reform process currently underway of the municipal civility ordinance to give definitive legal support to this request. The standard developed to guarantee coexistence in public spaces dates back to 2006.
“The key is that the measurements of the sound level meters carried by the police have legal value – there are many from this entity made up of a dozen associations from various neighborhoods of the city, such as Raval, Gràcia or Poble Sec – In this way the Agents would be empowered to sanction those responsible for terraces, nightclubs or even tourist apartments who ignore the inconveniences that their businesses cause on a daily basis. Let us remember that the owners of bars and restaurants are also responsible for what their customers do in the vicinity of their establishments. We hope that once and for all the administrations truly care about the health of citizens and compliance with the law.”
A few days ago, the Xarxa Veïnal against Soroll asked that Barcelona City Council further restrict the schedules of outdoor concerts, terraces and bars, and also implement a zero-tolerance policy in order to eradicate drinking.
