Facts
An oil depot gave off acid smuts that damaged washing and a car, as well as smells and night-time noise.
Issue
Can one set of facts be both private and ?
Held
Esso was liable in private and public nuisance.
Principle
Smells and noise can be private nuisance. Damage to a car parked on the public road was public nuisance causing .
Why it matters
A useful example of both kinds of nuisance.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Halsey v Esso Petroleum Co Ltd [1961] 1 WLR 683 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/halsey-v-esso-petroleum> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.