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
Police appeal after teenage girl reports being sexually assaulted in a Stretford park
Emily Sergeant
An urgent appeal for information has been issued after a teenage girl reported being sexually assaulted in a park in Stretford.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers attended Victoria Park, in the Stretford area, earlier this week on Tuesday night (21 July) following reports that a teenage girl had been sexually assaulted.
The incident is reported to have happened between 5:30pm and 5:44pm, and the offender is described to be an older white male of a large build who was wearing a black t-shirt.
No arrests have been made at this time, GMP confirmed, and enquiries are ongoing.
As police continue their investigation at pace, a public appeal for information has been issued in the hopes that someone can come forward and provide the details needed to track down the offender.
“Detectives are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry and the victim is being fully supported by specially trained officers,” explained Detective Superintendent Suzanne Keenaghan, from GMP’s Trafford district.
“There will be an increased police presence in and around Victoria Park while officers continue their investigation and provide reassurance to the local community.”
Police say they are ‘particularly keen’ to hear from anyone who was in the park at the time, or who may have CCTV, doorbell, mobile phone or dashcam footage from the area.
Anyone with information can speak to police officers at the scene, call 101, or contact GMP via LiveChat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3029 of 21/07/26.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
News
Business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues to be slashed by 20% next year
Emily Sergeant
Business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues across England are set to be slashed by 20% next year.
Continuing on with his week of, seemingly, introducing a new measure a day amid the cost of living crisis, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has now announced that he has taken action to cut business rates for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues across England from April next year.
It’s expected that these new business rate cuts will benefit nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues, saving the typical pub an estimated £1,100 in the next financial year.
“For too long, the pubs, social clubs, and live music venues that form the backbone of local high streets have been replaced by boarded up windows and for sale signs,” the Government said in a statement as the cuts were announced today.
Andy Burnham is slashing business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues by 20% next year / Credit: John Arano (via Unsplash) | Wikimedia Commons
These changes are set to be fully funded by the Government – including through reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops for example.
The Government says it also plans to crack down on businesses that sell through online marketplaces but do not comply with their tax obligations, which therefore puts them at an unfair advantage over businesses that do play by the rules.
I’m giving thousands of pubs, clubs and music venues a 20% cut in business rates.
I won’t stand by while these cherished local spaces disappear, replaced by boarded-up windows and ‘For Sale’ signs.
They’re the heart of our communities and it’s time we backed them.
“Pubs, clubs and live music venues are at the heart of communities across the UK,” explained Chancellor John Healey. “They help make a place what we love. They bring people together, support local jobs and help keep high streets, and town centres busy, which is why we will back them all the way.
“We are determined to bring hope back, give businesses the support they need and generate growth in every postcode.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham added: “For too long, Governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So today I am changing that.
“This Government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets, and that’s what we will do. What we’re announcing today is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country.”
Emily Sergeant -
17th August 2023 
