Aussie drivers have been put on notice after a new trial of noise-detecting cameras revealed a “concerning” trend that could lead to eye-watering fines.
The NSW Government has finally lifted the lid on a 2024 trial of high-tech “noise cameras” designed to crack down on car and motorcycle hooning.
NSW Police, Transport for NSW, and the EPA conducted Australia’s first trial of noise cameras in the Wollongong and Bayside council areas.
The 12-month trial concluded late last year; however, authorities have already revealed eye-opening trends from its findings.
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Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the program was a direct response to community complaints around noise pollution.
“We have heard the community’s concerns about car and motorcycle hoons. This trial and compliance will help to take further action on our roads,” she said.
“The Minns Labor Government is continuing its efforts to identify noisy and illegally modified vehicles. Officers conduct random checks in hooning hotspots and assess whether vehicles meet noise standards.”
The new cameras utilise noise meters to detect sounds above a set decibel limit within 15m. If a vehicle exceeds the decibel limit, the camera zooms in and captures the offender’s licence plate.
While thousands of drivers pass through these zones daily, the analysis found a small group of repeat offenders were responsible for the majority of disturbances.
Additionally, nights and weekends were peak periods for loud vehicles, while 55 per cent of noise events were linked to the same vehicles travelling throughout the day.
The cameras did not issue fines during the trial period.
“Hoons who treat our roads like racetracks are not just a nuisance; they’re putting lives at risk,” Police Minister Yasmin Catley said.
“The message is simple: if you’re deliberately driving dangerously on our roads, expect police attention.
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“NSW Police will continue working with Transport for NSW and the EPA to target this behaviour and hold offenders accountable.”
In Australia, cars less than 20 years old must not exceed 90 decibels, while motorcycles are capped at 94 decibels.
Drivers caught by authorities exceeding decibel limits can result in on-the-spot fines of up to $600, while repeat offenders risk court action.
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Australia isn’t alone in the fight against “anti-social” driving and illegal exhausts.
London was among the first to field-test the technology with Kensington and Chelsea councils in 2020, following local complaints.
New York trialled a noise-based camera system in mid-2021, which expanded to seven cameras by the end of 2023. The city plans to deploy up to 100 by 2028.
The results of the NSW trial are still under review and will determine whether the cameras can be used for enforcement statewide in the future.
