Authorities in the UK are about to test advanced noise detection systems in an effort to crack down on louder than allowed vehicles across the country.
The devices commissioned by the government will be able to detect motorists and bikers with vehicles exceeding legal noise limits and automated number plate recognition will identify the offenders.
All vehicles made since 2016 and sold in Europe are limited to 74 decibels, but aftermarket exhausts systems that are available for cars and motorcycles can be significantly louder than this.
Sky News reports that a prototype noise detection device will be tested at several locations over the next seven months in the UK.
Also Read: Cheesy Swiss Holes – There’s A Lot Of Deceptive Exhausts In Geneva
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling says he is determined to make loud exhausts a thing of the past.
“Noise pollution makes the lives of people in communities across Britain an absolute misery and has very serious health impacts. This is why I am determined to crack down on the nuisance drivers who blight our streets.”
Motorcycle Industry Association chief executive Tony Campbell said noise detection devices are needed to stamp out illegal exhausts fitted by some bikers.
“With growing pressure on the environment, including noise pollution, illegal exhausts fitted by some riders attract unwanted attention to the motorcycle community and do nothing to promote the many benefits motorcycles can offer.”
Trials will determine if a vehicle has breached the legal noise limit by taking into account the class and speed of the vehicle relative to the location of the noise detection device. If the trial is successful, the technology could (or should we say will?) be introduced across the UK.
