New noise detection cameras installed following repeated complaints
Police and Torbay Council say there can be reports of problems at 3am or 4am along Paignton seafront
Last updated 13 hours ago
Following complaints from residents, businesses and tourists, new noise detection cameras are being installed on Paignton's seafront.
Police say signs are now being put up to warn drivers who cause problems, especially in the early hours of the morning.
Neighbourhood Inspector Pete Giesens told us how it works, explaining: "It's not going to pick up anyone's conversations or anything like that what, it just picks up a very high level of noise.
"It will activate if a certain level of noise is reached and then it will give you what looks like a heat map, CCTV image so you know exactly where that noise is coming from.
"It's a big deterrent and a new tool for us. It's a long-standing problem that we've got down here at the Esplanade and around the harbour and Roundham with vehicle nose - and this is a tool for us to use to educate and potentially enforce."
Torbay Council leader Dave Thomas backs the new technology, saying: "Over the year we've had lots of complaints from residents, tourists and businesses about vehicles - perhaps with modified exhausts - making a lot of noise at say 3am or 4am.
"We've tried lots of things throughout the Summer - before we go to this point - with CCTV cameras, working in partnership with the police and community partnerships as well - the problem was it was almost as if you needed someone down here 24/7."
Incidents of anti-social behaviour in Paignton reported to police have decreased over recent years. Between 1 January and 31 December 2024 there were a total of 836 ASB incidents reported and for the same period in 2025 the total incidents reported had dropped to 671.
Paignton and Brixham Neighbourhood Inspector Giesens added: “We understand that nuisance drivers can have a negative community impact and this issue is a priority for me and my team. The pioneering acoustic technology monitors noise levels and takes a firm, but fair approach. The evidence will go to my Neighbourhood Police Team who carry out regular patrols in the area. We want to educate drivers first before we take any enforcement action.
“Drivers caught exceeding noise limits will receive warning letters, with repeat offenders facing Section 59 warnings. These warnings could ultimately result in their vehicles being seized if they are caught for a second time.
“Our aim is to deter anti-social drivers and we have been working with local residents whose lives have been affected by the noise and disruption; we are committed to helping to make the area safer for all road users.”
Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez added: “This is a great example of the role my office can have in making sure concerns raised by members of the public lead to action. Since residents and business owners in Paignton raised this issue, my team has been facilitating a conversation between the council and the police about this issue. The enforcement plan that has been developed has relied on advice from a dedicated anti-social behaviour lawyer funded by my office.
“We have also been collating dozens of enquiries from people across Devon and Cornwall expressing an interest in the noise camera technology and, if successful in Paignton, I would like to see further cameras being deployed across our two counties. Anti-social behaviour is the issue people most frequently tell me they want the police to tackle and noisy driving can cause real damage to people’s wellbeing and their livelihoods.”