Kensington and Chelsea, two areas renowned for having streets full of supercars, could soon have noise cameras installed. These are cameras that can detect who is roaring their engines too loud. If caught on camera, drivers will face fines of up to £1000, issued with penalties for noise pollution.
Able to measure vehicle sound levels up to a certain decibel, the cameras then take an image of the number plate on the vehicle and automatically issue the fine.
This comes as a result of a rise in reports of noise in the district, with supercar drivers eager to outdo each other and show off their engines by racing through wealthy areas.
Calls for such devices have also been heightened as a result of footage that made its way to the internet. The clip showed a pricey, speedy Audi 4×4 smashing into a long line of supercars, causing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage and great levels of noise.
Johnny Thalassites, Kensington and Chelsea councillor, has written to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to request these cameras in the district.
He said: “Powerful cars need careful handling and, unfortunately, our borough has seen and heard how certain drivers mistake our streets for a car show.
“This has been going on for years and it’s reaching crisis point.
“Acoustic cameras would give us a powerful new tool to catch drivers flouting the rules of the road.”
If these trials are successful, we could see these cameras installed throughout the UK.
What do you think. Will having these cameras in your local area be a good thing? Share your thoughts and opinions with us.