Drivers Back ‘Noise Cameras’ to Crack Down on Loud Cars
More than half of UK drivers want noise-detecting cameras to catch illegal loud exhausts and engine revving, new RAC research reveals. The so-called ‘noise cameras’ could soon be rolled out nationwide after a £300,000 trial by the Department for Transport.
Majority Support Cameras After Government Trials
A whopping 58% of drivers said they’d welcome the tech once trial results are announced. Just 22% opposed the idea, with 20% unsure. The cameras use multiple microphones to detect vehicles breaking the 74-decibel noise limit, snapping number plates and recording offending engine sounds. Trials happened in Bradford, Great Yarmouth, Birmingham, and South Gloucestershire near Bristol.
Loud Engines Driving Drivers Mad Across UK
- 34% of drivers regularly hear engines revving loudly or noisy exhausts
- Nearly half of Londoners (47%) say it’s a common problem
- 40% in Wales and Scotland also report frequent noisy vehicles
- 51% occasionally notice vehicles with excessively loud exhausts
Public Split Over Penalties, But Many Want Stricter Fines
Views are mixed on the current £50 fine for breaching noise limits: 39% think it’s fair, but 37% say it’s too low, and 24% are undecided. Of those wanting tougher penalties, 43% want a £200 fine plus a driving ban until the exhaust is fixed. In London, a massive 67% support this crackdown.
Noise Pollution Costs Billions and Harms Health
Road noise contributes to serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes and dementia. Yet, MOT testers aren’t required to check exhaust noise. The Government estimates urban road noise costs society up to £10bn per year in lost sleep, productivity, and health expenses.
RAC and Officials Demand Action Against Noisy Vehicles
“The scourge of excessively noisy vehicles must end,” says RAC Head of Policy Simon Williams. “Modified exhausts, boy racers and supercar owners currently get away with disturbing the peace. These noise cameras could be the solution and must be rolled out fast to areas that suffer most.”
Roads Minister Richard Holden added: “Boy racers are an anti-social menace. We’ve trialled noise camera tech extensively and will soon announce measures to bring peace back to our streets.”
The first UK trial of acoustic cameras was run by Kensington and Chelsea council in May 2022, setting the pace for other areas to follow.
