A new poll has revealed that more than half of drivers want noise detecting cameras installed across the UK in a bid to stop “boy racers”.
After a £300,000 trial of the specialist technology – which involves using a camera and several microphones to detect noisy vehicles – was introduced by the Department for Transport (DfT) in a small number of areas in England last year, a new survey by The RAC has now revealed that 58% of motorists would like to see these cameras rolled out right across the UK.
Only 22% of the 1,424 motorists polled were against the idea.
More than a third (34%) of drivers surveyed also said they heard revving engines or “excessively loud exhausts” regularly, according to The RAC.
The results from The RAC’s survey come after recent research has shown that road noise can contribute to a range of concerning health problems – including heart attacks, strokes, and dementia to name just a few.
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Have you heard of 'noise cameras'? 👂
6 in 10 drivers told us they would be in favour of their rollout to catch excessively loud vehicles 🔊
But how exactly do the cameras work? And what would motorists need to watch out for should they be introduced on a wider scale? Well, to sum it up briefly, the technology works by the camera recording an image of the vehicle and detecting its noise level to create evidence that police can use to issue fines.
At the moment here in England, vehicle exhausts and silencers are required to be properly maintained by law, and not altered to increase noise.
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Failure to comply with this law can lead to a £50 fine being issued on the spot.
The RAC says the results from its latest survey proves there is “a very strong desire” to clamp down on the “scourge of excessively noisy vehicles” that “disturb the peace” nationwide.
“It’s plain wrong that those who have fitted their cars with modified exhausts, some motorbike riders and supercar owners can currently just get away with making an unacceptable amount of noise,” explained The RAC’s Head of Policy, Simon Williams.
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Over half of drivers want noise detecting cameras installed across UK to stop ‘boy racers’ / Credit: RAC
“Fortunately, the Department for Transport’s recent noise camera trials may provide the solution [and] we hope the findings are positive and that the technology can be quickly and cost-efficiently rolled out to the worst affected areas [as] there is no good reason why cars and motorbikes should make so much noise.
“The sooner effective camera enforcement can be put in place the better.”
Roads minister Richard Holden claimed “boy racers are an anti-social menace” as praised the specialist technology and welcomed the results from The RAC’s new poll – adding that the Government “extensively trialled” noise camera technology in various parts of the country over the past year.
He said the DfT is “currently analysing data” from the trials and will update “in due course” on any future measures.
Mr Holden said the cameras will help “bring peace and tranquillity back to our towns, cities and villages”.
Featured Image – RAC
News
You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets
Thomas Melia
Every year, Manchester Christmas Markets hosts its almost two-month long residency on the frosty streets of our lively city, but now you can enjoy the cute huts with an unbeatable luxury experience.
Travel agency, Viator, who are directly connected to TripAdvisor, have launched a one on one guided tour of Manchester and its stunning Manchester Christmas Marketsin all their glory.
This private tour of the festivities occurring in the city will last two hours and for the whole duration of your time, a city host will be on hand to offer undivided attention, catering to your every need.
A makeshift itinerary is already awaiting guests and can be tailored according to the individual taking the tour, everything is catered to your preferences.
Anyone who books onto the tour also receives a complimentary hot chocolate and that’s sweetened the deal for me, I’m sold.
How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?You can recreate your very own gigantic cheese pull and your local host can snap a piccie.Scrumptious selection of food available as you venture through Manchester Christmas Markets in style.
There’s also the chance to keep your hands toasty with a free cup of mulled wine or a soft-drink for those who aren’t interested in the warm alcoholic beverage.
Manchester Christmas Markets are a phenomenal day or night-out regardless so this latest personalised opportunity will take your festive fantasies to a whole new level.
This private tour provides a one-of-a-kind exclusive treatment making your stroll down Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square and Manchester Town Hall that little bit more special.
These tours are a great chance to immerse yourself in one of Manchester’s many selling points as you can choose to focus your time around art and culture, fashion, architecture or our personal favourite – food.
This exclusive tour package which highlights the best of Manchester Christmas Markets is definitely a present in itself with tickets costing a hefty sum of £100.
If you want to visit Manchester Christmas Markets while also living the high life with a private tour, ‘Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host’ is running all the way until the huts shut shop on 22 December and tickets can be found here.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
17th August 2023 
