After section 59 there shall be inserted—

“59A Supplementary provisions in relation to road noise.

(1)

Any person authorised by a local authority may on production (if so required) of his authority—

(a)

enter or open a vehicle, machinery or equipment, if necessary by force; or

(b)

remove a vehicle, machinery or equipment from a road to a secure place,

for the purpose of taking any action, or executing any work, authorised by this Part of this Act in relation to a nuisance caused by road noise.

(2)

On leaving any unattended vehicle, machinery or equipment that he has entered or opened under subsection (1) above, a person shall, subject to subsection (3) below, leave it secured against interference or theft in such manner and as effectually as he found it.

(3)

If the person is unable to comply with subsection (2) above, he shall for the purposes of securing the unattended vehicle, machinery or equipment either—

(a)

immobilise it by such means as he considers expedient; or

(b)

remove it from the road to a secure place.

(4)

In carrying out any function under subsection (1), (2) or (3) above, a person shall not cause more damage than is necessary.

(5)

Before a vehicle, machinery or equipment is entered, opened or removed under subsection (1) above, the local authority shall notify the police of the intention to take action under that subsection.

(6)

After a vehicle, machinery or equipment has been removed under subsection (1) or (3) above, the local authority shall notify the police of its removal and current location.

(7)

Notification under subsection (5) or (6) above may be given to the police at any police station in the local authority’s area.

(8)

For the purposes of subsection (2) of section 58B of this Act, any expenses reasonably incurred by a local authority under subsection (2) or (3) above shall be treated as incurred by the authority under subsection (1) of that section.

(9)

A person who wilfully obstructs any person who is acting in exercise of powers conferred by the foregoing provisions of this section shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(10)

Nothing done in good faith under subsections (1) to (6) above by, or by a member of, a local authority or by any officer of, or other person authorised by, a local authority shall subject the authority, or any of them personally, to any action, liability, claim or demand whatsoever.”.