Noise Cameras – What Are They & How Will They Work?

noise Cameras Could Fine Drivers For Having Loud Exhausts

Cars with loud exhausts, we have all heard it before whether it is in the middle of the day or the middle of the night. I’m sure most people can agree that it is a nuisance, but you can’t do anything about it. Well that is until now…

The government is trialling a prototype noise camera in several locations across the UK over the next seven months to cut down on motorists with extremely loud cars or motorbikes. If these trials are successful there is a good chance these cameras will be rolled out across the whole country. The man behind this is the Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, who described the noise pollution of cars as an “absolute misery”. He also went on to say noise pollution has “very serious health impacts”.

what Is The Legal Noise Limit For Cars And Bikes?

The current law across Europe is that it is illegal for your car to be louder than 74 decibels. The Police have suggested that to be considered a nuisance it would have to be 90 decibels. This does raise some questions as some high-end supercars or older cars are in excess of the 74-decibel limit, so it will be interesting to see what happens with them if the camera was to be successful.

how Will The Cameras Work?

The trial will consist of noise detectors been placed on ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras in this phase the ANPR cameras will not be used to issue fines. If the trial is deemed successful, they will operate in a similar way to speed cameras. The noise detector will be triggered if the microphone detects sound levels that are louder than the legal limit. Once the noise detector has been triggered the camera will take a picture of the offending vehicles number plate. With this information the police will then issue a fine of £50 to the offender’s address.

What is your opinion on this, is it a good idea or do you think there is a better way? Be sure to let us know.

Having worked in the car rental industry for over 15 years, he really knows his stuff. Rob heads up our marketing department and as a keen traveller, always has a new location to talk about. Particularly if there is a golf course nearby.