Filenews 15 February 2021
The problems faced by residents, particularly in tourist areas or in city cores, from noise from leisure centres, were discussed in the House's Home Affairs Committee.
Interior Committee President Eleni Mavrou said after the session that once again it turns out that the legislation is not being implemented and, between municipalities and the Police, residents become ping-pong without resolving the problem. He added that the Home Affairs Committee has unanimously agreed to table amendments to the legislation, which at least in the near future clarify responsibilities between police and municipalities, increase the fine for illegal audio broadcasting and guarantee consultation with residents before recreational centres are licensed.
DIKO MP Pavlos Mylonas said the nightmare of people living in residential areas and at the same time being plagued by the nuisance created by leisure centres and other factors and the gap in legislation that has long existed should end. He added that the relevant services were throwing the ball at each other. He expressed the hope that the amendments proposed by the Commission would soon put an end to this problem.
EDEC MP Elias Myrianthos said that poor urban planning and unregulated urban development has led to a deterioration in the quality of life of local residents and creates huge problems for law-abiding and conscientious entrepreneurs operating in these areas. To date he said no authority can control sound levels in a fair and meaningful way, leading to the suffering of citizens and law-abiding owners who face the arbitrariness of the competent authorities. He added that legislation on audio broadcasts must finally be changed, taking into account practices in other countries.
Source: eyenews / CYPE
