Early results of a New South Wales (NSW) Government trial of noise camera technology in two cities has provided information about vehicle noise and anti-social driving.
The Australian-first trial was undertaken as part of the government’s work to crack down on car and bike hoons who create unnecessary noise.
Data from the trial which took place in Wollongong and Bayside reveals several trends:
- Noisy driving peaks at night and on weekends, with these periods accounting for the most recorded events.
- Driver behaviour such as aggressive acceleration was a factor in all noisy events.
- Motorcycles are responsible for around 55% of noise events, despite representing only around 4% of registered vehicles in NSW.
- A small cohort of drivers is responsible for a high proportion of noisy events. Of all events, 55% are caused by the same group of vehicles that pass by the noise cameras at different times and days, and sometimes at more than one noise camera location.
“Hoons who treat our roads like racetracks are not just a nuisance; they’re putting lives at risk,” said Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley:
“The message is simple: if you’re deliberately driving dangerously on our roads, expect police attention.
“NSW Police will continue working with Transport for NSW and the NSW Environment Protection Authority to target this behaviour and hold offenders accountable.”
