Shanghai clamps down on noise pollution

A new regulation against noise pollution will take effect in Shanghai on Friday, with offenders facing a fine of up to 500 yuan ($80).

The new regulation was announced by the municipality at a news conference on Wednesday.

It covers specific punishment for noise pollution in public spaces, residential communities and from the commercial sector. No musical instruments or audio equipment will be allowed in parks and other public areas between 10 pm and 6 am.

The rule also allows park administrators to curb noise from morning exercise-takers and from karaoke singing.

The regulation has provisions against noise from metal-cutting, stone processing and retail businesses. It also includes soundproofing standards for new homes, and working hours for home decoration projects, with no noise-making activities allowed between 6 pm and 8 am on weekdays, or all day on weekends.

Offenders will face a fine of 200 to 500 yuan by the public security department.

The city's environmental departments receive about 27,000 complaints about noise every year, and the problem is especially serious in summer, according to Wu Qizhou, deputy director of the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau.