Noise cameras are due to be trialled in the UK, with their ability to target ‘rowdy drivers’ being put to the test…

Trialing Noise Cameras 

So-called ‘noise cameras’ will soon be trialed in the UK, targeting particularly noisy motorists. The Department for Transport (DfT) has set aside £300,000 specifically to develop the required technology. MPs are also being asked to apply to participate in the trials. 

The technology is able to detect when vehicles are exceeding legal noise requirements. According to the DfT, this will help police and local authorities take action against particularly noisy drivers who disturb local residents and communities. As it stands, police do have the power to issue fines for noise violations; but securing evidence has proven to be problematic. 

Research suggests that noise pollution has a significant impact on both physical and mental health. In England, the annual cost of urban road noise is estimated to sit at around £10 billion. This is due to the economic impact of sleep disturbance, a loss of productivity and health issues such as heart attacks, strokes and dementia. 

‘A Critical Development’ 

Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, commented on the noise cameras. He said, “we want those in Britain’s noisiest streets, who are kept up at night by unbearable revving engines and noisy exhausts, to come forward with the help of volunteer areas to test and perfect the latest innovative technology”.

He added, “for too long, rowdy drivers have been able to get away with disturbing our communities with illegal noisy vehicles. It’s time we clamp down on this nuisance, banish the boy racer and restore peace and quiet to local streets”. 

Andrew Pearce, practice director at Atkins-Jacobs Joint Venture, emphasised the importance of the trial. He said, “this scheme is a critical development for people living in areas affected by antisocial driving. It demonstrates how we can use technology to take a highly targeted approach to solving these problems”. 

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