New polling from Opinium, commissioned by Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), has shown that 69% of the public support measures to make it easier to enforce noise limits on road vehicles.
Noise cameras, which would be used to monitor and enforce the limits, are devices used to identify excessively noisy vehicles and where necessary, issue a fine to deter drivers from driving in an anti-social manner.
The technology is based on sensors composed of either microphones or radar, that pinpoint a noisy vehicle as it passes.
The camera will then take a recording, with automated number plate recognition (ANPR), to identify the vehicle and to create a package of evidence for use by the relevant authority.
The findings of the survey of 2,050 individuals across the UK, showed that 16% opposed noise monitoring measures with the 69% in support drawn across different regions of the UK, age groups and voting intentions.
The report also concluded that awareness of noise camera technology is low, with 67% having never heard of them; 17% have heard but don’t know any details, and 10% know at least a bit about noise cameras.
However, when noise cameras are explained to respondents, support for their further roll out is high with 62% in support, and 20% opposing.
Alongside the findings, ITS UK has published a new report urging the government to take further action to support noise camera technology, setting out three recommendations.
First, the establishment a government-led Noise Group comprised of key industry stakeholders; second the publication of overdue guidance for Local Authorities; and third, for government to support a public awareness campaign that promotes the positive role noise cameras can play in reducing noise pollution.
ITS UK’s chief executive Max Sugarman said: “Noise cameras allow local authorities or the police to pinpoint, and thereby enforce against, excessively noisy vehicles.
“Today’s polling shows that the public want to see action against noisy vehicles, and that when explained, noise cameras have a high level of support amongst the public.
“The public polling also shows a clear desire for greater information and understanding about what noise cameras can do.
“However, since trials concluded last year, there has been little support from Government for the roll out of this technology, with guidance for local authorities now overdue.
“The UK has great expertise in noise camera technology, and so support for this growing sector will not only mean quieter streets for communities around the UK, it will also mean backing a key market that has the potential to be exported around the world.”
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