Mong Kok buskers lower decibel levels as mock regulations on noise given an unofficial trial

Street performers at a noisy pedestrian zone in Mong Kok kept the decibel levels down on Sunday evening, testing mock regulations in a bid to halt the impending closure of the area, a political party said.

To prove regulations would help cut noise levels and obstructions on Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Yau Tsim Mong district councillor Andy Yu Tak-po held a busking control “simulation” with two performance areas set up in the zone.

Performers were told to keep the noise under 85 decibels. They were also prohibited from using large amplifiers and power generators. Other rules included a one-hour limit for musical performances and 30 minutes for other acts, as well as following a queuing system.

“You can see that the performers are queuing … they have mutual respect, and the problem of blocking the street has also been improved,” Yu, who had called for a temporary closure of the zone and stronger government regulations, said.

The Civic Party district councillor said noise was kept under 85 decibels near the two performance areas, but was as high as 100 decibels on another stretch of the street.