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
Referees admit Manchester City’s derby-winning goal over Manchester United was a VAR ‘error’
Emily Sergeant
Referees have admitted that Manchester City’s winning goal during yesterday’s Manchester derby was a VAR ‘error’.
In case you didn’t tune into the Manchester derby yesterday – which was held at Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford – star striker Erling Haaland’s goal handed Manchester City a 1-0 victory – in the end, even after fellow City player Phil Foden was given a straight red card and sent off in the twenty third minute.
Haaland‘s goal was initially deemed offside on the pitch, before VAR overruled the decision.
New City signing Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before Haaland scored.
Fernandez appeared to impact the defending of Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martinez by attempting a diving header, despite not touching the ball.
Erling Haaland has put Manchester City ahead in the derby after a VAR check ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/V0DCwryhFy
Following the full-time whistle, United’s manager Michael Carrick said it was ‘worrying’ that the goal was allowed to stand, claiming that there was no ‘grey area’ when it came to determining whether Fernandez had interfered with play.
“It’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating it,” he commented.
Pundit and former Manchester United star, Gary Neville, also expressed confusion at the decision, declaring on Sky Sports after the game: “I’m going to need the offside law explaining to me, because that has lost me, I have to say. I do think when they look back on this, they will recognise they got it wrong.”
Neville said he thinks that referee Michael Oliver will be ‘nervous’ about the goal yesterday, as will the rest of the officials.
Pro Ref has admitted an 'error of judgement' in awarding Manchester City's winner at Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Erling Haaland's goal was initially disallowed for offside on the pitch before VAR overturned the decision. pic.twitter.com/ZF76Qwz4Ib
And now, less than 24 hours after the match ended, refereeing body Pro Ref has since made what Sky Sports is calling an ‘unusual intervention by confirming that a review of the goal will take place.
A spokesperson for Pro Ref said in a statement: “It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement.
Charli XCX announces massive Manchester arena gig as part of long-awaited UK and European tour
Emily Sergeant
Charli XCX has finally given UK fans the news they’ve been waiting for.
After the genre-bending popstar announced back in June a series of US gigs this autumn to support and celebrate the release of her eighth studio albumMusic, Fashion, Film – which was met with critical acclaim following its release in late July – fans in her home country were wondering when she would announce UK dates to accompany these.
The 34-year-old been had hinting at a UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour on social media over the past couple of months, but nothing was set in stone as of yet.
Then last night, Charli took to Twitter to announce that she ‘finally’ had some information coming today (11 September), and then followed it up with a teaser video – sending fans into a frenzy.
And now, it has been announced this morning that Charli XCX will be taking to the Co-op Live stage early next year.
Support on the UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour will come from US popstar Audrey Hobert.
Hobert has been having somewhat of a star-making year herself in 2026 following the release of her own critically acclaimed debut album, Who’s The Clown?, last year – with her streams racking up daily and drawing in massive crowds on the festival circuit this summer.
Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film Tour UK & EU Dates 2027
13 February – 3Arena, Dublin
15 February – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
17 February – Co-op Live, Manchester
19 February – The O2, London
22 February – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam
24 February – Accor Arena, Paris
Upon release back in July, Music, Fashion, Film the album received acclaim from music critics, who praised its lyrical honesty and experimental production, as Charli took a sonic journey away from the undeniable mega hit that was her 2024 album BRAT, and into ‘Rock Music’ territory.
Music, Fashion, Film topped the charts in the UK and Australia, as well as in Belgium, Hungary, and New Zealand, while reaching the top 10 in countless other countries – including the US.
Charli XCX will be bringing the Music, Fashion, Film Tour to Manchester‘s Co-op Live on Wednesday 17 February 2027, and tickets will go on sale next week.
Emily Sergeant -
17th August 2023 
