Home Office rejects call for investigation into youth dispersal equipment

The government has ruled out an investigation into the use of the Mosquito ultrasonic anti-social behaviour deterrent device.

Responding to a question from Labour MP Tom Watson, Home Office minister Nick Herbert told Parliament he had no plans to launch an investigation into the youth dispersal equipment.

A report from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 25 June called for a ban on all acoustic devices which discriminate against young people. The Mosquito emits a powerful sound signal audible to almost everyone under 20, but few over 25. It is used to prevent young people loitering.

The report also warned that use of the devices could breach human rights, such as the right to private life or freedom of assembly, and may constitute degrading treatment because it inflicts “acoustic pain”.

Around 3,500 of the Mosquito devices are thought to be in use in the UK.

Saying that the government’s stance is that “we do not see this as an issue on which we should intervene,” the minister rejected the need for guidance to be issued to the police and local authorities.

Herbert added that it is for local agencies dealing with anti-social behaviour to decide whether or not to use the Mosquito and to use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The minister said: “The UK Health and Safety Executive has concluded that based on the information and evidence available, while some short-term subjective effects are possible with prolonged exposure, there would appear to be little likelihood of people exposed to this device suffering long term ill health.”

Herbert suggested it was open for citizens wishing to complain about the device to contact their local environmental health officer. “There is legislation available which can be used against statutory noise nuisance,” he added. “To date we know of no such complaints being made.”

The minister said the government would “of course” reconsider its position, should evidence be produced that the devices are harmful to hearing or health in the longer term.

Both the National Youth Agency and the Children's Commissioner for England welcomed the Council of Europe report.

Maggie Atkinson, the Commissioner, said: "This is a positive step towards preventing discriminatory practices being used against our children and young people. The joint Buzz Off campaign (against the devices' deployment) was a success in raising awareness of the unfair use of the Mosquito device and many councils and police forces no longer support its use.

"The Mosquito does not prevent anti-social behaviour; it just moves the problem down the road."