Research for the Department for Transport (DfT) into the use of noise cameras to tackle excessive noise from vehicle exhausts has been published. This is one of a suite of measures in the government's Plan for Drivers published last week. Noise camera trials were undertaken at sites selected from nominations made by local MPs in April 2022. Sites used covered rural, suburban and urban areas known to be affected by excessively noisy vehicles. Trials took place in Keighley, South Gloucestershire, Great Yarmouth, and Rubery (Birmingham) between October 2022 and February 2023. Of the 1,777 noise camera activations recorded, four per cent were considered attributable to excessively noisy vehicles, using the noise threshold identified in the research. Residents and researchers also noticed that deployment of the noise camera had a deterrent effect, with drivers changing their behaviour. The project’s outcomes support a noise level of 95 dB LAmax at 7.5m being used for roads with 50 mph speed limits or lower, to help inform a decision on whether enforcement action should be taken against a vehicle. A cost benefit assessment of noise cameras was conducted, concluding that at least two genuine noise camera activations per day would result in a cost neutral system. The research was undertaken by the Atkins Jacobs Joint Venture (AJJV).
DfT say they plan to issue guidance to local authorities setting out minimum requirements and best practice for the use of noise cameras.
See reports on the trial: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/noise-camera-technology-roadside-trial
Government news story: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/crackdown-on-anti-driver-road-schemes-and-blanket-20mph-limits-to-put-local-consent-first
