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Cameras with microphones to fine noisy cars
The technology behind traffic cameras It already makes it possible not only to identify offenders who drive above the speed limits, but also those who do not use a seat belt or who do not respect the limits during a given stretch of road. But that is not all. There is already a city that is testing, as part of a pilot program, a series of cameras with microphones to fine noisy cars.
The city in question is New York that, through Department of Environmental Protection, is responsible for identifying all those vehicles that exceed the decibel limits. Recently, a user received a letter informing him that his car was making too much noise. The most striking thing about this letter was that a camera and a computer had been responsible for catching this infraction.
Cameras with microphones to fine noisy cars
In the photo that heads this paragraph you can see an official order from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) addressed to the owner of a BMW M3 (prueba) what had been ‘hunted’ with a noise level higher than allowed. In the letter you can read:
“I am writing to you because your vehicle has been identified as having a muffler that does not comply with Section 386 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, which prohibits excessive noise from motor vehicles. His vehicle was recorded by a camera that takes pictures of the vehicle and the license plate. Additionally, a sound meter records the decibel level as the vehicle approaches and passes the camera.”
The order goes on to inform the owner that they must take the car to a DEP-specified location for inspection. If it is presented, the owner of the M3 will have the opportunity to rrepair the car to avoid a fine. The document also informs the owner that if he does not show up, he could face a fine of up to 875 dollars (769 euros) and other penalties if you continue to ignore the citation.
A pilot program active since September
© Provided by Motor Journalism
cameras microphones fine loud cars
As reported from Road & Track, this system is part of a small pilot program that has been in operation since September 2021. The system works with a speed camera (a radar) that automatically records a violation and sends it by mail by reading the license plate. The uniqueness of this camera is that it integrates a microphone that can measure the noise level of the cars.
The project is part of a New York City initiative to stop noise pollution. In September, a bill increased fines for excess exhaust noise from $150 (€132) to $1,000 (€879). The program will be reassessed on June 30 and it will be decided whether to extend the term or if it is out of service.