Adapted ANPR cameras will be trialled in nationwide trial to detect drivers whose cars are too noisy

Number plate recognition cameras will be used to snare drivers whose cars are too loud, it has been revealed.

Detectors will be added to the devices, which normally capture a vehicle's registration, to listen out for cars with excessive exhaust noise and drivers illegally revving up engines.

They could also pinpoint motorists with rowdy music systems and motorcycle riders, whose machines make excessive noise, DevonLive reports.

The move has been announced by the Department for Transport and will see a number of locations targeted over the next seven months, motoring magazine Auto Express revealed.

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Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “I look forward to seeing how these exciting new cameras could work."

It is illegal for cars to exceed 74 decibels. The DfT said if the trial works then detectors will be rolled out across the UK.