Noise cameras will be introduced in two New South Wales council areas by the end of the year in a bid to curb hooning and noisy vehicles.
The trial is part of a multi-agency initiative involving NSW Police, Transport for NSW, and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The New South Wales Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:
The cameras use noise metres to detect sounds above a set decibel limit within 15 metres, and cameras zoom in to capture licence plates.
It is an emerging technology first trialled in New York in mid-2021 before the city expanded to seven cameras by the end of 2023.
According to City officials, up to 100 noise cameras are planned to be deployed by 2028.
In Australia, vehicles breaching the legal noise limits could face fines, with cars less than 20 years old not allowed to exceed 90 decibels and motorcycles capped at 94 decibels.
Currently, individuals can be fined up to $600 for noise violations, but the vehicle must be stationary for a noise reading to be taken.
Wollongong Councillor Richard Martin said fines are essential to assess if the trial can change driver behaviour.
“We receive countless complaints from residents about the noise. We need to deter hooning drivers,” he said. “I’m unsure if the noise cameras alone will be enough, but fines will certainly help.”
The trial will first kick off in Bayside and Wollongong councils, following years of complaints about excessive noise in the area.
It remains unclear whether noise camera data will lead to fines or warnings during the trial, but enforcement is expected to evolve.
Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news and deep dives on topics affecting you, all in under 20 minutes.