Are 'siren battles' over? Auckland councillor hails tougher penalties

A west Auckland councillor who previously raised concerns with siren battles is welcoming a Bill to increase fines for those creating excessive noise from or within a vehicle, that he said is expected to pass into law tonight.

This afternoon, the Clerk of the House advised that urgency had been accorded to the remaining stages of the Antisocial Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill.

Waitākere councillor Shane Henderson said it was "such a happy day" for west Auckland, calling the changes "significant".

Under the Bill, police fines for those making excessive noise from or within a vehicle will increase from $50 to $300. Court-ordered fines will also be increased from $1000 to $3000.

The Bill is currently at the Committee of Whole House stage, meaning it could pass after its Third Reading.

Henderson said this meant "stronger enforcement tools to tackle the 2am Celine Dion concerts that have plagued west Auckland".

"This is great news for residents, particularly older people and families with young children. I want to thank Minister Chris Bishop, local MP Phil Twyford, and the many Te Atatū residents who raised this issue with me over the years. It's heartening for me that Westie residents can lobby for change, and it happens."

He added that hopefully, with the changes, siren battles would become a thing of the past.