The NSW Labor Government committed in the election to trialling noise cameras and cracking down on cars that disturb local communities.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will soon trial the cameras in Wollongong and Bayside in response to community concerns about the impact of noisy vehicles. The EPA plans to test the moveable cameras at several locations.

Residents can now make suggestions on where the cameras should be trialled via the EPA’s website ahead of the trial starting in the coming months.

Vehicle noise cameras are an emerging technology currently being tested in various formats in major cities around the world, including in London, Paris and New York.

In NSW, the EPA works in partnership with councils, NSW Police and NSW Roads and Maritime Services to enforce noise control regulations.

Residents can provide input on the trial on the EPA website, or report noise pollution through the Report to EPA service.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe:

“Car hoons are on notice. The NSW Government has heard the community’s concerns about noisy vehicles and is committed to sourcing and testing the most effective methods to deter anti-social behaviour on our roads.

“Work is underway to test noise cameras in communities fed up with noisy vehicles, and we invite all residents to have their say and play a key role in the trials.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“The impact of anti-social and vehicle-noise related ‘hooning’ on residents in the Wollongong community should not be underestimated.

“With police resources being used first in the pursuit of criminal activity the trial of noise camera technology adds to the options available to reduce the impact of noisy vehicles.

“I look forward to this important trial beginning in Wollongong, and I encourage all residents to provide their feedback to the EPA so we can make sure we gather strong evidence on the effectiveness of this new technology.”