An updated code of practice on picketing issued by The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) retains clauses covering noise. The code cites interference because e.g. because of noise or crowds, in the rights of those neighbouring properties, which would be a private nuisance in law. It also states that if the noise or other disturbance caused to residents of an area by pickets, or those associated with picketing activity, amounts to a civil wrong, those involved or responsible are not protected by the law from proceedings being brought against them.
