use of garden equipment

[Jbird]

Are there any rules wihich stipulate the times at which you can use lawn mowers, strimmers etc owing to the amount of noise they create?

[Androcles]

I never thought there were any rules in this country, but clearly if your neighbours consider you are being thoughtless it may bring some social pressure. If you were really being difficult, they could probably complain to the Environmental Health Officer, or even see if they could get you issued with an acceptable behaviour contract or even in extremis an ASBO.

That would give you some bragging rights amongst the hoodies!

[fiesata]

You could look at the question a different way jbird may be the victim of thoughtless neighbours

My mom and dad lived next door to a pensioner who used to start his gardening at the crack of dawn in the summer - it's no fun listening to a lawnmower on a Sunday morning at 6:30 am

Answer is there could be a case for noise nuisance;

If talking to your neighbours and mediation between the interested parties has failed, you can complain to the environmental department of your local authority.

Under sections 79-81 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 local authorities have a duty to deal with any noise which they consider to be a statutory nuisance.

[Jbird]

Yes I am the victim - thanks! It was the local council who had had the audacity to send their men to trim the verge opposite my house at 7 in the morning not 20yds from my bedroom window! Before writing my letter of complaint I wanted to check for any laws that I might be able to throw at them!