Stephen Roper and his wife Suzanne have brought a 25 year-old lawsuit against Alton Towers, claiming the noise from Oblivion disturbs their daily life. After visiting the couple's home, 100 yards from the park entrance, Judge Timothy Gascoigne ruled in favor of the Ropers, saying that the ride violates the Environmental Protection Act of 1990.

Judge Gascoigne noted that the "Don't look down" message, played as the cars hang motionless over Oblivion's vertical drop, is the main cause of noise, as well as the sounds of the coaster's machinery. He also said that the noise from fireworks and corporate events contribute to the problem, but Oblivion is the main culprit.

Alton Towers quashed the rumors that the ruling would force the park to close.

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