Noise Limits

Noise Limits

To read a copy of the noise regulations under which all circuit activity takes place please download the PDFs below. 

The MSA (Motor Sports Association) is the regulatory body for all four-wheeled motorsport in the UK. Noise regulations are in section C(b), pages 146-149 of the Blue Book.

The document is available to download by clicking here

Certain historic cars are exempt from these regulations due to their period status. These are defined by FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) regulations, found in Appendix K, Article 3. 

The relevant document is available to download by clicking here 

Motorcycle racing is governed by the ACU (Auto-Cycle Union) and its rules and regulations with regards to noise are outlined in section 14.8 on page 22 of its road racing guidelines. 

The document is available to download by clicking here

 

Donington Park operates under a strict noise management regime

We are concerned to be good neighbours and committed participants in all aspects of local community life. We take our relationship with the community very seriously so if you have any issue that you would like to discuss then please email us at [email protected]

SUMMARY OF OUR PLANNING ARRANGEMENTS

Times of Operation and Noise Control

Motor Racing, Motorcycle Racing and associated Motorsport activities are permitted at Donington Park under a Planning Permission which was granted in November 2011. Conditions set out in the Permission specify the periods, timing and noise controls under which activities are permitted.

RACE DAYS

Racing is permitted on a total of 60 race days per annum between the hours of 9am and 8pm. These 60 race days may be divided as follows:

  • 20 days may run unsilenced
  • Another 20 days may run up to a noise level of 118dBA
  • Another 20 days may run up to a noise level of 108dBA

The noise levels are measured in accordance with well established procedures set out by the appropriate motorsports Governing Body. Racing normally takes place at weekends.

TEST DAYS

Testing of motorsports vehicles is permitted on up to 2 days per week throughout the year between the hours of 9am and 5pm or dusk, whichever is earlier.

Such Motorsport Testing is not subject to noise limits.

Test Days cannot be consecutive, cannot take place on weekends or Bank Holidays and cannot take place on the day immediately before or after a Race Day. For information, testing normally takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

QUIET DAYS

Use of the circuit is permitted on 365 days per annum with a noise limit not exceeding 98 dBA measured at an on-circuit drive-by test.

Quiet days are used for driver/rider training, or to gain circuit experience. The noise limit is at a level whereby some road licenced vehicles will fail.

We also run "Quiet Evenings" subject to the same 98dBA Drive By Test and these are normally run for 3 hours until dusk on Summer evenings.

RALLY DAYS

Use of the circuit and the Donington Estate is permitted on 2 days per annum to hold motor rallies.

Not exceeding 100dBA as measured by the governing body

Procedures for managing noise are detailed in Donington Park's Noise Management Plan, which is available below. The Plan is subject to regular review. The circuit operator, the track hirers, race promoters and the motorsports governing bodies carry out noise measurement tests to ensure all vehicles comply with the appropriate noise restrictions. Vehicles exceeding permitted noise levels are prevented from using the circuit.

NOISE CONTROL OFFICER

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss anything with our Noise Control Officer then please contact Andy Hicklin or call 07803 147359.