The UK government is trialling noise detecting traffic cameras to crack down on noise pollution caused by revving engines and drivers using illegal exhausts.

The technology combines video cameras with microphones to document loud vehicles as they pass. The camera takes a picture of the vehicle and records the noise level, the evidence it collects can be used by local police to issue fines to drivers.

The trials are backed by £300,000 of government investment and the new technology will be trialled in Bradford, Bristol, Great Yarmouth and Birmingham for a period of two months.

Road noise can contribute to health problems including heart attacks, strokes and dementia. It is estimated that the annual social cost of road noise, including lost productivity from interrupted sleep is around £10 billion.

Commenting on the news, Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “Rowdy road drivers beware – these new cameras will help the police clampdown on those who break the legal noise limits or use illegal modified exhausts to make excessive noise in our communities.”

She added: “We’ll be working closely with the local authorities and police to share any findings, and I hope that this technology paves the way for quieter, peaceful streets across the country.”

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