Czech Constitutional Court rejects proposal to abolish noise protection regulation

The Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic has rejected a proposal by a group of 14 senators to abolish the government regulation concerning protection against the adverse effects of noise and vibrations. The court ruled that the regulation is consistent with both the constitutional order and existing law, noting that the current framework is clearer than previous versions.

In the ruling, delivered by rapporteur Judge Dita Řepková, the court emphasized that the government established a fair balance between conflicting interests. However, the judges issued a warning regarding the potential for repeated relaxation of noise limits, stating that such actions create a risk of progressively weakening protections against negative physical and mental health impacts.

The senators had argued that noise limits have been gradually increasing while the level of protection has decreased. Specifically, since July 2023, limits in certain categories, such as highways and roads permitted before 2001, increased by five to 13 decibels. The court noted that current limits are already at a threshold and any further relaxation would require thorough consideration and justification.