Metropolitan Police Service Sirens Noise Pollution

Officers are preparing an answer.

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) recognises that inappropriate and inconsiderate use of sirens must be avoided, and officers are reminded to be considerate to residents when responding to emergency calls, particularly at night. They do, however, have to balance this against the risk to motorists and pedestrians, as well as the urgency of attending emergency calls for police assistance from the public.

The practice of driving a police vehicle in response mode, without the use of audible warning equipment, can add considerable risk to all road users, and delay in attending emergency incidents. The use of sirens remains an operational decision, at the driver's discretion, which must be balanced against the prevailing conditions, risks, and operational need.