There will be strong penalties for bars, restaurants, drivers, mass events and others.
News Colombia.
In a momentous session, the Senate of the Republic gave the green light to the Law against Noise, an initiative that promises to mark a before and after in the fight against noise pollution in Colombia.
With 51 votes in favor and only two against, this regulation becomes a milestone to protect the health of citizens and promote harmonious coexistence.
The Anti-Noise Law, led by Representative Daniel Carvalho and Senator Andrea Padilla, not only recognizes the seriousness of noise pollution as a public health problem, but also establishes concrete measures to combat it.
The sanctions stipulated by this legislation can reach up to 40 current legal monthly minimum wages, depending on the violation.
In addition, it grants powers to the authorities to act immediately and suspend activities that exceed the permitted noise limits.
This framework regulates both the noise generated by economic activities, such as bars, restaurants and mass events, as well as that from vehicular traffic and other mobile sources.
The Law also provides for the implementation of environmental noise measurement and monitoring tools, as well as educational programs to educate the population about the negative effects of this form of pollution.
Consequences for Offenders
One of the most notable points of the Law is the speed with which violations will be addressed. In accordance with the provisions, the authorities may immediately suspend any activity that generates noise that affects the tranquility of the communities or public order.
In these cases, the provisions of Law 1801 of 2016 will apply, including corrective measures such as the dissolution of meetings or activities that involve crowds, as well as the temporary suspension of activities in public or semi-private spaces.
The regulations also address the problem of noise derived from visual outdoor advertising, sanctioning not only those directly responsible, but also advertisers or property owners who allow these practices.
Response to an urgent problem
According to Camilo Quintero, coordinator of the Law, 70% of the calls that enter line 123 are related to noise.
We are happy! Today the @SenateGovCo approved in the last debate the #LawAgainstNoiseNOW. A great step towards more serene and healthy territories. My recognition and gratitude to the advisor and coordinator of this process @camiloquinterg.
A special thanks to… pic.twitter.com/U0fgL7exTp
— Daniel Carvalho (@davalho) December 11, 2024
This data, along with studies that show that prolonged exposure to levels higher than 65 decibels can cause stress, cardiovascular problems, hearing loss and mental health problems, drove the need for strong legislation.
The main cities of the country, such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Cartagena, will benefit the most from this regulation, since they are the epicenters of noise problems.
Furthermore, it is expected that the implementation of pedagogical programs and the effective regulation of noise sources will contribute to significantly improving the quality of life of citizens.
Guaranteeing tranquility, healthy coexistence and safety of both people and animals is everyone’s responsibility! The excess noise generated by some commercial, industrial and neighboring sectors affects the rights of the communities. With the #LawAgainstNoiseNow… pic.twitter.com/MLCtac5jdT
— SONIA BERNAL (@SoniaSBernalS) December 10, 2024
