News / Transport
Noise cameras trialling in Bristol in clampdown on antisocial driving
Noise-detecting traffic cameras will be installed in Bristol in an attempt to crack down on “boy racers” who rev engines and use illegal exhausts.
The Department for Transport has announced a location near the city will host new ‘noise cameras’ in a bid to tackle noise pollution and clampdown on antisocial driving.
The technology uses a video camera and a number of microphones to detect excessively noisy vehicles as they pass by. It will be used to create a digital package of evidence that can be used by Avon and Somerset to fine drivers.
is needed now More than ever
It is part of a £300,000 scheme to reduce the social impact of road noise, which the department said costs the country £10b a year.
New noise camera technology is being trialled in #Birmingham, #Bradford, #Bristol and #GreatYarmouth.
?Cracking down on rowdy drivers
?Lessening the impact of noise pollution
?Creating quieter streetsRead more about the trial ? https://t.co/fvp9GIKH4I
#NoisePollution pic.twitter.com/BdAM7rSsRu— Department for Transport (@transportgovuk) October 18, 2022
The camera on the A4174 will be installed between the Kingsfield and Wraxall Road roundabouts, near Barrs Court and Warmley.
“Rowdy road drivers beware – these new cameras will help the police clampdown on those who break the legal noise limits or use illegal modified exhausts to make excessive noise in our communities,” said transport secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan.
“We’ll be working closely with the local authorities and police to share any findings, and I hope that this technology paves the way for quieter, peaceful streets across the country.”
Road noise is known to contribute to health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes and dementia, with the Noise Abatement Society welcoming the introduction of noise cameras.
Chief executive Gloria Elliott said: “Communities across the UK are increasingly suffering from this entirely avoidable blight.
“The Noise Abatement Society applauds rigorous, effective, evidence-based solutions to address this issue and protect the public.”
The trials, backed by £300,000, start with the camera in Bradford from Tuesday before a rollout in Bristol, Great Yarmouth and Birmingham over the next two months.
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
Read next:
- Finding a sensible solution to Bristol’s transport woes
- Clean Air Zone delay slammed
- Bristol transport boss: Private companies running buses is ‘teaching pigs to dance’
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