A trail which will see "noise cameras" detect rowdy drivers launched in Bradford from today
Noise cameras are being put up in Keighley
New technology is being launched today in Bradford to tackle drivers who rev their cars and have loud exhausts.
It will use a video camera and microphones to accurately pinpoint excessively noisy vehicles as they pass by in Keighley, in the first of it's kind.
This means that if drivers break the law by revving their engines unnecessarily or using illegal exhausts, they will be automatically detected.
The camera takes a picture of the vehicle and records the noise level to create a digital package of evidence which can be used by local police to fine drivers.
The Government says road noise is known to contribute to health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes and dementia, and the annual social cost of urban road noise, including lost productivity from sleep disturbance and health costs is estimated to be up to ÂŁ10 billion.
Only a couple of other areas are being chosen to take part in the trial, including Bristol, Great Yarmouth and Birmingham.
Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:
“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.
"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."
The trials, backed by ÂŁ300,000, start with the camera in Keighley, Bradford from today and will then be placed in the other three locations over the next two months.
Noise Abatement Society chief executive Gloria Elliott OBE said:
“Excessively noisy vehicles and anti-social driving causes disturbance, stress, anxiety and pain to many. It is unsafe and disrupts the environment and people’s peaceful enjoyment of their homes and public places.
“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 will continue for two months across the country. The Department continues to work closely with all local authorities and MPs to tackle rowdy, illegal noise disruption from traffic.