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Two councils in New South Wales are set to introduce new noise detection cameras to address issues related to loud vehicles and anti-social driving behavior.
The trial will begin before the end of 2024 and will continue until late 2025. Noise cameras will be deployed in the Bayside area, which surrounds Botany Bay, and in Wollongong to assess their effectiveness in curbing disruptive driving practices.
A tender from the NSW Government indicates that the noise camera system will be tested under controlled conditions to determine if they can effectively manage noisy vehicles and reduce anti-social behavior on the roads.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Transport for NSW, and the NSW Police. The State Government has yet to release images of the noise cameras.
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Mobile speed camera
As reported by ABC News, these cameras utilize sound meters to detect noise levels above a specific decibel threshold within a range of approximately 15 meters. If a loud vehicle is identified, the cameras will capture images of the license plates.
Under current Australian Design Rules (ADR), vehicles manufactured before 2005 are limited to 90 decibels, while those built before January 1983 have a limit of 96 decibels.
Motorcycles are also subject to noise restrictions, with models produced after March 1, 1984 having a limit of 94 decibels and older models capped at 100 decibels.
In New South Wales, drivers can be fined up to $600 if their vehicle exceeds the limit by 15 decibels or more, although a noise measurement must occur while the vehicle is stationary.
According to ABC News, it remains unclear whether legislation will change to permit the use of noise camera readings for moving vehicles to issue fines, or if the trial will focus on issuing warnings instead.
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Mobile phone detection camera
The EPA has stated that the cameras will be strategically placed in the Bayside and Wollongong council areas at locations approved by each council. However, the specific locations of these noise cameras may change periodically.
Data collected by the Bayside Council indicates several hooning hotspots, including Bay Street in Brighton Le Sands, Clareville Avenue in Sandringham, and Russell Avenue in Dolls Point.
Noise detection cameras are already in use in major cities globally, such as New York City and London. New York initiated a trial of one camera in 2021 and has since expanded to a network of seven, which may have contributed to a recent fine issued to a Lamborghini owner in the city.
In New York, fines start at US$800 (approximately A$1158) for a first violation, escalating to US$1700 (A$2460) and US$2700 (A$3906) for subsequent infractions.
In London, a three-month trial of noise cameras in one borough in 2020 resulted in 69 warnings and 163 fines, leading to the installation of more cameras in that area.
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