22 January 2025: New independent polling from Opinium, commissioned by Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK) – the voice of the transport technology industry 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 new polling comes alongside a new report from ITS UK, setting out key recommendations for the Government to support the use of noise camera technology in the UK.

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%).

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.

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”

Note to Editors

1. ITS UK’s Chief Executive is available for further comment. Please contact Eduardo Pitts at Eduardo.pitts@its-uk.org / +44 (0) 7938 819668 for any media enquiries.

2. Read more on the report and polling at: www.its-uk.org/noisecamera-polling

3. 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.

4. Impact of Noise

• 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. 

5. Research

• Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2,050 UK adults aged 18+ from 8th to 10th January 2025. Results have been weighted to be politically and nationally representative.

6. Organisations

• About ITS UK: Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK) is the voice of the transport technology industry. ITS UK provides a national platform to support the roll out of technology for a cleaner, safer, and more effective transport network, both at home and abroad. We support our 175 members – from both the private and public sector, and covering all sizes and disciplines – through advocacy to policy makers, connecting people and organisations, promoting the industry overseas and supporting innovation across the intelligent transport ecosystem. www.its-uk.org
• About Intelligent Instruments (who supported the polling): Intelligent instruments 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.  www.soundvue.com
• About Opinium: Opinium is an award-winning strategic insight agency with offices in London, New York, Amsterdam, and Cape Town, offering global reach. Established in 2007, Opinium specializes in areas such as thought leadership, brand and communications, and stakeholder understanding. Known for its political polling and industry-leading research, the company is a member of the Market Research Society and the British Polling Council, adhering to the highest professional standards. https://www.opinium.com/

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