New independent polling from Opinium, commissioned by ITS UK and supported by noise camera providers Intelligent Instruments, has shown that a large majority of the public (69%) support measures to make it easier to enforce noise limits on road vehicles.

The polling is published alongside a new report, setting out key recommendations for the Government to support the use of noise camera technology in the UK.

What is a Noise Camera?

A noise camera is a device 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.

Excessively noisy cars and motorcycles that have been modified or driven in a way that creates additional noise are a public health burden blighting the lives of millions of Britons.  The health effects of excess exposure to traffic noise are well documented.  Effects are known to include increased stress, cardiovascular function (hypertension, changes to blood pressure and/ or heart rate), annoyance and sleep disturbance. 

New poll shows widespread support for noise interventions

The findings of the independent survey of 2,050 individuals across the UK, show that:

• There is strong support for measures to make it easier to enforce against excessively noisy vehicles, with 69% in support, and 16% opposing. Support is high across different regions of the UK, age groups and voting intentions.
• Awareness of noise camera technology is low, with two thirds of the public (67%) having never heard of them; 17% have heard but don’t know any details, and a tenth know at least a bit about noise cameras (10%). Among those with access to a vehicle, awareness remains low at 28%;
• However, when noise cameras are explained to respondents, support for their further roll out is high with 62% in support, and 20% opposing; and
• Half think public awareness of laws around excessively noisy vehicles and their enforcement is too low (50%) with only a fifth thinking it’s ‘about right’ (20%).

The survey was carried out by Opinium, an award-winning strategic insight agency with offices in London, New York, Amsterdam, and Cape Town, offering global reach. The polling was supported by ITS UK Members Intelligent Instruments, who are the pioneers of noise camera technology.  Their SoundvueTM systems are used in London and across four continents to detect excess noise from nuisance vehicles. 

Recommendations for Government

Alongside the findings, ITS UK has published a new report titled ‘Noise Cameras: Where Next?’ urging the Government to take further action to support noise camera technology, setting out three recommendations. These include:

• Recommendation 1: Establish a Government-led Noise Group comprised of key industry stakeholders, from the Department for Transport, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Local Authorities, and the enforcement and acoustic industries. The Group would work together to promote deployment of noise camera technology. A key outcome would be to establish a national standard for noise cameras, whether through statutory instruments or primary legislation.
• Recommendation 2: The Government should the publish guidance for local authorities on rolling out noise cameras using Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).
• Recommendation 3: As noise cameras are rolled out, there will be greater public interest in the technology. The Government should work with industry to support public awareness campaigns that promote the positive role noise cameras can play in reducing noise pollution.

Reaction

Speaking to the results, 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.”

Adam Drummond, Head of Political and Social Research at Opinium, said: “Most people aren’t aware of noise camera technology, but many are affected by excessively noisy vehicles particularly in big cities like London, and there’s strong support for making it easier for the police and authorities to enforce existing laws on this issue”