Will Noise Cameras Tackle ‘Boy Racers’?
Tuesday 26th September 2023
With the government announcing trials of noise cameras in a bid to tackle ‘boy racers’, what exactly does this mean for drivers across the UK? Read our guide to find out more.
What are noise cameras?
Otherwise known as acoustic cameras, noise cameras are used to detect loud noises that exceed a limit that has been set. They aim to catch drivers who make excessive noise with their engines from cars and motorcycles.
As it is illegal to modify exhaust systems to increase noise in the UK, though this does not prevent certain drivers doing so. Noise cameras will help to catch offenders, to help reduce noise pollution and improve wellbeing.
How do noise cameras work?
Noise cameras operate in a similar way to speed cameras. They are equipped with a microphone that is able to differentiate sounds, such as a car’s engine, a horn or a radio, by monitoring sound patterns.
Noise cameras have an automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system that captures a numberplate when a vehicle is exceeding noise levels by activating the noise camera’s microphone.
This will then alert police who receive a report that can determine what action should take place. This could be a hefty fine or prosecution.
What do noise cameras mean for the UK?
The legal sound limit for vehicles manufactured from 2016 onwards is 72 decibels (dB). This threshold will decrease further in 2026 to 68 (dB). These stricter laws aim to catch ‘boy racers’ that are to be rolled out across the UK to tackle noise pollution from some of the loudest streets in Britain.
Currently, noise cameras are in operation in four locations: Bristol, Birmingham, Bradford and Great Yarmouth. Should these trials be successful, noise cameras could see a more widespread introduction to tackle inconsiderate road users with loud exhausts and engines. The next locations of these trials will be decided based on the impact of illegal noisy vehicles on the local communities and residents.
By implementing the use of noise cameras, the government aim to clampdown on ‘rowdy drivers’ that break the legal noise limit and use illegal modified exhausts to make excessive noise in local communities.
What’s more, the rollout of noise cameras looks to benefit health and to improve sleep and productivity, which is currently affected by noise pollution across the UK.
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