New “noise cameras” designed to identify drivers who rev their engines and use modified exhausts will be installed in parts of England today (October 18) in an effort to crack down on antisocial driving.
The new technology combines cameras with several microphones to track down excessively noisy vehicles and will be installed in Bradford as part of a government-backed trial to reduce noise pollution. Its aim is to catch drivers who break the law by revving their engines unnecessarily or using illegal exhausts.
The “new-age” cameras can automatically detect nuisance drivers and take a picture of their vehicle while recording the noise level, creating a digital package of evidence which can be used by local police to issue fines. Backed by £300,000, the trial will start in Keighley, Bradford, from Wednesday and will then travel to South Gloucestershire, Great Yarmouth and Birmingham over the next two months.
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Road noise is known to contribute to health problems including heart attacks, strokes and dementia, while the annual social cost of urban road noise – including lost productivity from sleep disturbance and health costs – is estimated to be up to £10 billion. Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “Rowdy road drivers beware – these new cameras will help the police clampdown on those who break the legal noise limits or use illegal modified exhausts to make excessive noise in our communities.
“We’ll be working closely with the local authorities and police to share any findings, and I hope that this technology paves the way for quieter, peaceful streets across the country.”
The locations for the roadside trials have been decided after MPs across the country applied for the cameras to be installed in their constituency based on the impact of illegal noisy vehicles on local residents. The technology underwent “extensive testing” at a private test track.
Noise Abatement Society chief executive Gloria Elliott OBE described illegally noisy drivers as an “entirely avoidable blight.” She said: “Excessively noisy vehicles and anti-social driving causes disturbance, stress, anxiety and pain to many.
“It is unsafe and disrupts the environment and people’s peaceful enjoyment of their homes and public places. The Noise Abatement Society applauds rigorous, effective, evidence-based solutions to address this issue and protect the public.”
If the trial is successful, the government said the cameras could be rolled out nationwide.
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