Noise cameras have been installed in Bayside Council areas as part of Australia’s first ever hoon camera trial to tackle vehicle noise pollution.
Member for Rockdale, Steve Kamper said the trial in Bayside follows community concerns about excessively noisy vehicles and locations that are popular with drivers who engage in anti-social car behaviour.
“We are delivering on our election commitment, the Minns Labor Government is cracking down on hoons by conducting Australia’s first ever trial of vehicle noise cameras,” said Mr Kamper.
“The impact of ‘hooning’ behaviour on residents in the Bayside community should not be underestimated. Local residents and businesses have had enough.”
UK company Intelligent Instruments has provided the emerging technology, the SoundVue Noise Camera System, which has been used in global cities including London and New York.
The weatherproof system includes a microphone array and dual cameras to monitor and record roadside noise, capturing high quality audio and video.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is working with Bayside Council, Transport for NSW and NSW Police on the trial, which will determine how effective the cameras are at identifying noisy vehicles.
The locations of the cameras were chosen after consultation with the local community, councils and experts. Feedback on the locations saw some of the highest ever engagement on the NSW EPA ‘have your say’ website.
“We are committed to finding solutions that make our community safer, and this trial will help us better understand the potential of noise cameras to identify and respond to anti-social behaviour and reckless driving,” said Mr Kamper.
As well as the Bayside field trial, the NSW EPA is also working with the University of Technology’s Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration to test the technical capabilities of an additional camera in their controlled environment.
Fines will not be issued during the trial period, but a review will help determine if the cameras can be used for regulatory purposes in the future.
The trial will conclude by December 2025.
