Noise control technology boost

Dunedin residents making noise complaints are expected to benefit from new technology following a new company taking up the Dunedin City Council's noise control tender.

Council environmental health team leader Ros MacGill yesterday said Armourguard had taken the contract which, under council policy, had to be tendered, as its cost had risen above $50,000.

The company's warranted noise control officers had personal digital assistants (PDAs), which received details of any complaints as soon as they were made.

"Introducing this technology will effectively remove any double-handling of information, and make the monitoring of specific complaints more efficient."

The technology was provided by the company, at no cost to the council, Ms MacGill said.

The council received about 3500 noise complaints each year, with the busiest periods the start and finish of the University of Otago year.

Ms MacGill said 85% to 90% of complaints were about loud music or "partying".

Although Armourguard provided a 24-hour service, the council had its own noise control officers, who worked during the day, and handled ongoing complaints.

- david.loughrey@odt.co.nz

 

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