Ice cream vans

Under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 it is an offence to operate or permit the operation of any loudspeaker of the 'ice cream van chimes' type in a street unless the following conditions are complied with.

  • The loudspeaker is operated between the hours of 12pm and 7pm
  • The loudspeaker is fixed to a vehicle which is being used for the sale of perishable commodities for human consumption
  • The loudspeaker is operated solely to inform the public that the commodity is for sale
  • The loudspeaker is operated not to cause unreasonable annoyance

The Code of Practice on Noise from Ice-Cream Vans Chimes etc. in England 2013, provides further guidance.

If you wish to test the volume of your chimes, please contact us using our online form and we will be happy to measure the noise levels to ensure you are complying with regulations.

Find out how to report this online

For advice about our procedures and the legislation we use please see our frequently asked questions page

This page was last updated on 9 November 2016

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