A pair of New South Wales councils will soon receive new noise detection cameras in a bid to crack down on loud cars and hooning.
As part of the trial, due to begin before the end of 2024 and run until late 2025, noise cameras will roll out in the local government areas of Bayside (surrounding Botany Bay) and Wollongong to determine their effectiveness on reducing anti-social driving.
According to a NSW Government tender, the field trial of the noise camera system will take place “under controlled conditions” and is intended to evaluate whether the cameras “can be used to address noisy vehicles and anti-social driving”.
The noise camera program is a joint effort between the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Transport for NSW, and NSW Police. Images of the cameras have yet to be released by the State Government.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Mobile speed camera
ABC News reports the cameras utilise noise meters to detect sounds above a set decibel limit within a distance of around 15 metres. If a loud car is detected, cameras are then used to scan licence plates.
Under current Australian Design Rules (ADR), cars built before 2005 are subject to a noise limit of 90 decibels. For cars built before January 1983, the limit is 96 decibels.
There are limits for motorcycles too, as models built after March 1, 1984 are subject to a 94-decibel limit. The limit for older motorcycles is 100 decibels.
In NSW, motorists face fines of up to $600 if their vehicle is found to be 15 decibels or more above the limit – though a noise reading must be done while the vehicle is stationary.
ABC News reports it’s unclear if laws will be changed to allow the use of noise camera readings on moving vehicles when enforcing fines, or if warnings will be issued under the trial instead.
Mobile phone detection camera
While the EPA says, “the cameras will be installed in the Bayside and Wollongong council areas, at locations agreed with each council”, the location of noise cameras could move “from time-to-time”.
Crowdsourced data collected by Bayside Council reportedly reveals hooning hotspots of Bay Street, Brighton Le Sands; Clareville Avenue, Sandringham; and Russell Avenue, Dolls Point.
Noise cameras are currently in use overseas in heavily populated cities such as New York City and London.
New York trialled one camera in 2021 and has since expanded the network to seven, likely contributing to the fine a Lamborghini owner received in the city last month.
Offenders in New York are fined US$800 (A$1158) for the first offence, followed by US$1700 (A$2460) and US$2700 (A$3906) for subsequent offences.
The cameras were trialled in one London borough in 2020. During a three-month period, they reportedly contributed to 69 warnings and 163 fines and were followed by more cameras in the area.
MORE: Lamborghini owner sues after copping fine for stock exhaust
