noisy vehicles
The UK Department for Transport (DoT) is testing noise-detection cameras. Credit: vagawi.

The UK Department for Transport (DoT) is set to trial noise-detecting cameras across various locations over the next seven months to crack down on noisy vehicles.

The units will work similarly to speed cameras. They will automatically detect illegal, excessively noisy vehicles. They will leverage automated number plate recognition technology to identify vehicles.

The decision comes after activists in rural communities complained that some motorists illegally alter vehicles to amplify the sound.

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 drivers who blight our streets. New technology will help us lead the way in making our towns and cities quieter, and I look forward to seeing how these exciting new cameras could work.”

Upon successful completion of the trial, the government will recommend further development of the system across the UK.

Outcomes of some of the studies have indicated that exposure to noise can adversely affect the physical and mental wellbeing of a healthy person.

Loud noises can cause people to suffer heart attacks, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and stress, among other diseases.

“Noise pollution has very serious health impacts.”

The Motorcycle Industry Association CEO Tony Campbell said: “With growing pressure on the environment, including noise pollution, illegal exhausts fitted by some riders attract 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.”