It was announced this weekend that the Department for Transport (DfT) are launching new technology in a bid to crack down on noise pollution caused by loud exhausts.
Vehicles who are breaking legal noise limits will be detected by new cameras which will measure the sound levels of passing vehicles, and using automated number plate recognition to help catch culprits.
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.
“This is why I am determined to crack down on the nuisance drives who blight our streets.”
The trial, which is set to start soon, will not penalise law-abiding drivers and riders, but those who abusing the laws on noise. It is stated that all vehicles must legally meet noise limits before they are allowed on the roads. Vehicles must be maintained in good working order and not altered to increase noise.
CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), Tony Campbell said: “With growing pressure on the environment, including noise pollution, illegal exhausts fitted by some riders attracted unwanted attention to the motorcycle community and do nothing to promote the many benefits motorcycles can offer.
“All manufacturers produce new motorcycles that follow strict regulations regarding noise and emissions and we welcome these trials as a potential way of detecting excessive noise in our community.”
The government has commissions prototype version of the noise camera which will be tested in different locals over the next 7 months. If these trials are deemed successful, then a further plan will be in place to roll out nationwide.
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