New noise cameras on UK roads mean cars hitting this decibel will be 'seized'

New noise cameras on UK roads mean cars hitting this decibel will be 'seized'
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


New driving laws could crack down on ‘nuisance’ road users with harsher penalties from noise cameras. Following successful £300,000 roadside trials at four locations, an independent report submitted to the Department for Transport recommended progressing to live enforcement trials.

The new measures are aimed to stop excessive noise pollution. Under the new system, drivers of excessively loud vehicles could face fines of around £100, penalty points on their driving licences, mandatory re-education courses, and even vehicle seizures.

Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk, said: "Noisy cars on public roads can have a significant detrimental impact on other road users' health, let alone being a nuisance in the neighbourhoods where they are driven.

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“Driving a high-performance supercar provides a thrill unlike any other and hearing the roar of the engine is part of the enjoyment. Doing this on a racetrack is the safest place and can be appreciated without disturbing others." Reuben Peckham, director at Intelligent Instruments, stated: "The findings from the DfT trials align with our own experience operating noise camera technology in eight cities across three continents.

“This technology can accurately detect vehicles exceeding legal noise limits, helping to reduce disruption for those living, working, and studying in affected areas." The proposed enforcement threshold for noise cameras is currently at 95 decibels with speed limits of 50mph or less.

Among the possible deterrents to stop excessively loud vehicles on public roads are fines of around £100, penalty points, re-education courses and vehicle seizures. There are a number of regulations that could be used to enforce punishments, including the Police Reform Act 2002, section 52, under the offence 'Vehicles used in a manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance'.

The independent report put forward to the Government, and which we are highlighting here at Trackdays, could result in guidance being issued to local authorities setting out minimum requirements and best practice for the use of noise cameras.