British public support measures to tackle noisy vehicles

A new survey has shown that a large majority of the public (69%) support measures to make it easier to enforce noise limits on road vehicles.

The polling, carried out by Opinium for Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), comes alongside a new report from ITS UK, setting out key recommendations for the Government to support the use of noise camera technology in the UK.

The findings of the survey of 2,050 individuals across the UK, show that:

• There is strong support for measures to make it easier to enforce against excessively noisy vehicles, with 69% in support, and 16% opposing. 
• Awareness of noise camera technology is low, with two thirds of the public (67%) having never heard of them; 17% have heard but don’t know any details, and a tenth know at least a bit about noise cameras (10%). Among those with access to a vehicle, awareness remains low at 28%;
• However, when noise cameras are explained to respondents, support for their further roll out is high with 62% in support, and 20% opposing; and
• Half think public awareness of laws around excessively noisy vehicles and their enforcement is too low (50%) with only a fifth thinking it’s ‘about right’ (20%).

Alongside the findings, ITS UK has published a new report urging the Government to take further action to support noise camera technology, setting out three recommendations. 

First, the establishment of a Government-led Noise Group comprising key industry stakeholders. Second, the publication of overdue guidance for local authorities; and third, a public awareness campaign that promotes the positive role noise cameras can play in reducing noise pollution.

Max Sugarman, ITS UK’s chief executive, said: “Noise cameras allow local authorities or the police to pinpoint, and thereby enforce against, excessively noisy vehicles. Today’s polling shows that the public want to see action against noisy vehicles, and that when explained, noise cameras have a high level of support amongst the public. 

“The public polling also shows a clear desire for greater information and understanding about what noise cameras can do.” 

Adam Drummond, head of political and social research at Opinium, said: “Most people aren’t aware of noise camera technology, but many are affected by excessively noisy vehicles particularly in big cities like London, and there’s strong support for making it easier for the police and authorities to enforce existing laws on this issue.”

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