Hoons on notice in Sydney: Noise-activated cameras to be installed at hot spots
New technology is set to be trialled in known hoon areas around Botany Bay in Sydney's south, with cameras able to detect and capture loud cars and motorcycles.
Drive - Ben Zachariah 28 June 2023 41 comments
Popular hoon hotspots around Sydney will soon be dotted with noise-activated cameras, as authorities begin trialling the technology in an effort to mute loud exhausts.
The systems – which are already in use in New York City and California detect the sound decibel level coming from vehicles driving past. If a vehicle is over the limit, the camera will capture the number plate and a fine will be issued.
Bayside Council – the local government area to the south of Sydney encompassing Mascot, Botany, Bexley, and Sandringham – is seeking approval from the New South Wales Government, NSW Environmental Protection Authority, and NSW Police to begin the trial, which it hopes will reduce what it calls "anti-social behaviour" in the region.
Brighton Le Sands, Dolls Point, Sandringham, and Rockdale – all within Bayside Council borders – have long been known as areas frequented by modified-car owners.
In New South Wales, most cars are limited to 90 decibels of noise from the exhaust, while motorcycles cannot exceed 94 decibels.
The EPA has the power to issue fines of between $150 and $500 to individuals, while the police can issue a $206 fine for "operating a vehicle to produce unnecessary noise" – including performing a burnout or revving.
Fines can also be issued for altering an exhaust or air intake to increase noise levels, while drivers can receive two demerit points and a $150 fine for "causing an offensive noise to be emitted from a … sound system".
“Bayside Council is already using sophisticated high-tech cameras incorporating licence plate recognition technology to help curb anti-social behaviour, and I believe we are well placed to take part in any trial of noise-activated cameras,” Mayor Dr Christina Curry said in a written statement.
The council claims these so-called 'hoon cams' have contributed to a significant reduction in the number of complaints from community members.
State Member for Rockdale, Stephen Kamper, confirmed this week the EPA was looking into noise-activated cameras, reaffirming his pre-election promise to bring the technology to the Bayside area.
"The Environment Protection Authority has been tasked to oversee this trial, in conjunction with the local council and the police," Mr Kamper said, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
"Only a few other jurisdictions in the world currently use cameras that detect vehicle noise and the EPA is examining if this technology can work within NSW."
In Australia, police have been increasingly relying on drones to identify those attending hoon meets.
Rather than attempting to pull over the vehicles and potentially triggering a dangerous pursuit, Victoria Police have instead been mailing owners with a summons to appear before police and the Victorian Environmental Protection Authority – with those who fail to appear having their vehicle registrations suspended.
In April 2023, the Queensland Government introduced new strict anti-hoon laws, making it an offence to organise, promote, participate in, or even spectate at a "group hooning activity".