A new independent survey conducted by Opinium and commissioned by ITS UK, with support from noise camera pioneers Intelligent Instruments, reveals strong public backing for measures to enforce noise limits on vehicles.

The findings highlight significant support for noise camera technology, alongside low public awareness about the issue and the tools available to address it.

Noise Cameras?

Noise cameras are innovative devices designed to identify vehicles emitting excessive noise.

Using microphones or radar sensors, the cameras detect loud vehicles as they pass by.

The system captures a recording of the offending vehicle, alongside its number plate via Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), creating evidence for authorities to issue fines and take enforcement action.

Excessively noisy vehicles, often modified or driven irresponsibly, are a major public health concern, contributing to stress, cardiovascular issues, and sleep disturbance.

Traffic noise is a blight for millions of UK residents, particularly in urban areas.

Widespread Support

The survey of 2,050 UK adults revealed broad support for stronger enforcement against noisy vehicles:

  • 69% of respondents support measures to enforce noise limits, with only 16% opposed.
  • Awareness of noise camera technology is currently low, with 67% having never heard of it, while 17% have heard of the technology but lack detailed knowledge. Just 10% claim to know “at least a bit” about noise cameras.
  • Among vehicle owners, awareness is slightly higher at 28%, but still limited.
  • When noise cameras were explained to respondents, support for rolling out the technology rose to 62%, with 20% opposed.
  • Half of respondents (50%) believe public awareness of laws around excessively noisy vehicles is too low, compared to just 20% who think it is sufficient.

The results suggest that increased education and awareness could increase public support for noise camera implementation.

The Case for

The urgency for action is underlined by the impact of excessive vehicle noise, particularly in urban areas like London.

According to Intelligent Instruments, their Soundvue™ systems, used in the UK and globally across four continents, have effectively detected nuisance vehicles.

Noise pollution has been linked to increased rates of hypertension and heart disease and affects mental health by raising stress and annoyance levels.

In cities, traffic noise is one of the most common environmental complaints.

Recommendations

To address these issues, ITS UK’s new report, Noise Cameras: Where Next?, outlines three key recommendations for the Government to support the deployment of noise camera technology:

Establish a Government-Led Noise Group:
A collaboration of industry stakeholders, including the Department for Transport (DfT), local authorities, and acoustic experts, would oversee noise camera deployment and create a national standard for the technology.

This could involve statutory instruments or primary legislation.

Guidance for Local Authorities:
The Government should issue clear guidance on rolling out noise cameras, particularly through Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).

Public Awareness Campaigns:
As noise cameras are introduced, public information campaigns should promote the benefits of the technology in reducing noise pollution and improving quality of life in affected areas.

Time for change

Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of ITS UK, emphasised the importance of action:
“Noise cameras allow local authorities or the police to enforce against excessively noisy vehicles. Today’s polling shows that the public want to see action on this issue, with high levels of support for noise cameras once explained.

“Despite successful trials, there has been little progress from the Government to support the rollout of this technology, and guidance for local authorities is long overdue. Backing this growing sector will not only reduce noise pollution but also support a burgeoning UK industry with global export potential.”

Adam Drummond, Head of Political and Social Research at Opinium, added:
“While awareness of noise cameras is low, public support for tackling excessively noisy vehicles is strong, especially in big cities like London. There’s a clear appetite for measures to make enforcement easier.”

Noise Pollution in the UK

  • Traffic noise affects approximately 25 million people in the UK, according to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs).
  • The World Health Organization estimates that noise pollution contributes to the loss of 1.6 million healthy life years annually across Europe due to heart disease, sleep disturbance, and stress-related conditions.
  • In London, road traffic noise impacts 1 in 5 residents, with noise levels exceeding WHO-recommended limits in many neighbourhoods.

The public’s strong support for noise cameras signals a need for Government action.

As awareness grows, the technology has the potential to create quieter, healthier communities while showcasing the UK as a leader in tackling noise pollution through innovation.

The full report, Noise Cameras: Where Next?, is available for download here.

You can read more about noise camera technology here.