New noise cameras could be rolled out across the UK as part of a trial scheme in the near future to crack down on loud vehicles.
A new report, from Atkins and Jacobs on behalf of the Department for Transport, found that enforcement officers would benefit from using the technology in real time.
Roadside trials of acoustic cameras took place from October 18, 2022, until February 1, 2023, to monitor how many vehicles had loud exhausts.
The trials took place in Keighley, Bristol, Great Yarmouth and Rubery, Birmingham.
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Noise cameras will now be trialled in parts of the country
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
The technology uses a video camera to film the road and a microphone to accurately excessively noisy vehicles as they pass by on the road.
The camera takes a picture of a vehicle and records the noise level to create a digital package of evidence that can be used to fine offending drivers.
Funding worth £300,000 was used for the trials, with the objective of providing local authorities and police with effective enforcement tools.
A report, Roadside Vehicle Noise Measurement Phase 3 Part C, concluded that the next step would be to allow enforcement officers to take part in live trials to give them practical experience of using the measures.
This would allow the evidence from cameras to be partnered with “back-office systems” to ensure that the technology is ready for a national rollout, if it is progressed that far.
It added: “It is recommended that this is undertaken alongside a public perception study that could influence the selection of deployment scenarios and enforcement action decisions.
“The development of a type approval procedure and data security standard for noise cameras is also a priority to ensure that all products achieve the required performance standards and data encryption protocols.”
Noise cameras were referenced in the Government’s Plan for Drivers as it outlined proposals to allow local councils to roll out noise cameras to target unacceptable vehicle modifications.
This technology was also seen across the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to crack down on noisy vehicles driving through the area, with many sports cars found to be revving their engines on a consistent basis.
It warned that persistent offenders would be fined, and in some extreme cases could have their vehicles seized if the Council applies to the Magistrates Court.
Between September and December 2020, the pilot programme found that the cameras were triggered nearly 2,000 times, with the Council giving out 163 fines and 69 warnings.
The cameras are triggered when a filtered sound over 80db is detected, with the pilot being funded by money from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy.
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Noise cameras in Kensington were triggered nearly 2,000 times between September and December 2020
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
Speaking at the time, Councillor Johnny Thalassites said: “Residents have made it clear to us that many drivers are using our streets as a racetrack.
“Piloting new noise camera technology last year has helped us catch more of the worst offenders.
“We are now getting data with cameras in other parts of the borough to see how big this problem is and what more we can do to protect residents and workers from disruptive noise and anti-social driving.”