Hundreds of thousands of people all across the UK could be breaking the law on a daily basis without even knowing it.
The news comes after a recent survey revealed that the average British person breaks at least one law per day – typically in relation to ‘nuisance behaviour’.
Britons far and wide are causing illegal disturbances without even knowing it, so, to help keep yourself in check, here’s a rundown of five common accidental offences.
- Poorly judged noise levels
A survey conducted by popular magazine Which? in 2014 revealed that one quarter of UK adults have had issues with nuisance neighbours. Under British legislation, anything from loud lawnmowers and gardening tools to radio and television noise can theoretically be considered a ‘nuisance’ to your neighbours. Bubbling bath tubs and garden water features can also be considered a disturbance.
- Poorly positioned CCTV cameras
CCTV cameras which are poorly positioned and accidentally record footage of your neighbours land or garden breach privacy laws. A disgruntled neighbour would be perfectly within their rights to sue you for harassment under the Human Rights Act.
- Poorly positioned washing lines and hanging plants
Attaching a hanging plant or a washing line to your neighbour’s fence or wall is against the law unless you consult the neighbour for their consent and approval beforehand.
- Poorly timed DIY
Guidelines issued by environmental health officers advise Britons that the use of power tools and ‘noisy’ appliances be restricted to take place only between 8am-6pm on weekdays, 8am-1pm on Saturdays, and never on a Sunday.
- Poorly positioned security lights
Security lights which ‘throw light’ into your neighbour’s garden can be considered ‘light pollution’ – particularly if your security lights unintentionally shine directly onto your neighbour’s property.