The UK Government has launched sophisticated ‘noise camera’ technology aimed at cracking down on illegal or broken exhausts.
The move comes after previous education campaigns on noise pollution through car exhausts was deemed too soft and warnings ineffective.
Much like speed cameras, the ‘noise camera’ systems will measure vehicle noise levels against a pre-defined limit and using ANPR cameras send a letter of warning to owners whose cars are deemed to be too loud.
Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, said: “Noise pollution makes the lives of people in communities across Britain an absolute misery and has very serious health impacts. The trial is not intended to target law-abiding drivers, but those who are flouting laws around noise. All vehicles must legally meet strict noise limits before they are allowed on the road. Once a vehicle is in service, exhausts and silencers must by law be maintained in good working order and not altered to increase noise.”
It’s thought that the trial will include a number of tests to take into consideration surrounding environmental factors and driving style to ensure that there are not too many false positives. Though no fines will be handed out during the seven month trial, if successful the system could be used to help enforce the law if rolled out across the UK.