Australia Considers Noise Cameras to Combat Loud Vehicles
Australia is considering using noise cameras to detect and fine drivers whos vehicle exceeds noise limits. Drivers could face fines of up to $1,200 where noice exceeds the prescribed noise limit by 15 decibels. NSW authorities last year trialled hi-tech noise cameras in the Wollongong and Bayside council areas. NSW Police are still reviewing the data obtained from the trial and have yet to announce a broader rollout of noise cameras. Police could also issue a $434 fine and three demerit points to motorists who start or drive a vehicle in a way that makes unnecessary noise or smoke, including unnecessarily revving an engine.
The Australian-first trial used acoustic technology to detect excessive vehicle noise before cameras captured the offending vehicle's registration plate.
The technology found that motorcycles accounted for about 55 per cent of detected noise events, despite representing only around four per cent of registered vehicles in NSW.
Authorities also found that aggressive acceleration was a factor in all noisy events, and that the collected data is being analysed to inform future options for managing vehicle noise.
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