New noise cameras suggested to help crack down on loud vehicles

Automated noise enforcement is being suggested as a new way to crack down on a relatively new issue–noisy neighbourhoods.

Essentially, it’s a speed camera but for noise, measuring the decibel level of a passing vehicle and issuing a ticket if it’s too loud.

“This is something new and it’s actually been something new for most communities across Ontario, this level of amplified exhaust system noise,” said Julie Wright, Councillor, Waterloo Ward 7.

“About 60 per cent of urban noise comes from traffic,” Wright continued, adding illegally modified mufflers are considered a key contributor. “We want to be able to let people know when the sound level is beyond our threshold.”

She has suggested installing noise cameras could help with that though the suggestion comes as the Region of Waterloo continues to grapple with how to expand its speed camera program without proper ticketing capacity.

Wright said that’s likely where the province would have to step up and help out.

“It really does take a coordinated approach with the province because there are probably tools missing in our tool kit that relate to the Highway Traffic Act,” she said. “If we’re really going to get at this, we don’t want to take a whack-a-mole approach, we actually want the fines and the enforcement aspect of it supported.”

“So that seems to be part of the problem [with automated speed enforcement] right now is that we maybe don’t have the kind of enforcement tools that we need.”