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SLEEPLESS residents tormented 24/7 by noisy engine braking have welcomed the sound relief of a new camera aimed at catching out trucks, motorcyclists and cars roaring through their neighbourhood.
A noise camera will be used in around 28 hotspots around Melbourne from early March.
Trucks or motorcycles letting off a sound greater than 80 decibels and a car that reaches more than 74 decibels will be detected by the roadside camera.
The noise will trigger the roadside camera to take a picture of the offender and record the sound.
Geelong Ring Rd, near Waurn Ponds, Frankston, Yarraville, Buninyoung and Southbank will be the first to be targeted.
Chairman of the local owners’ corporation in Southbank David Jones welcomed the measure that he says will finally bring relief to thousands of residents living near main roads.
“It’s a tremendous problem it keeps them up at night, trucks go past almost 24 hours a day,” Mr Jones said.
“It’s the kind of sound that really penetrates.
“It’s like a thunder clap, five or six times a second.”
Critics claim the penalty system will allow noisy drivers to escape a hefty fine as they will be given a chance to fix the problem and then face losing their registration.
Drivers will only be issued with a notice asking them to appear before an approved EPA noise testing station.
If they fail to attend then they could wind up losing their vehicle registration.
But Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the first phase of the crackdown would ensure that the problem was actually fixed rather than being used as a new form of revenue raising.
“Heavy vehicles are generally fitted with good muffler systems that cause minimal noise when the engine break is activated, but vehicle owners need to ensure their trucks are well maintained and that exhaust systems are not defective,” Mr Pallas said.
Over the next 12 months, the Government plans to introduce automatic infringement notices using the noise cameras.
It is waiting on an outcome of a trial in NSW.
Lucie van den Berg From: Herald Sun February 23, 2010 11:27AM
Summary:
The article highlights the problem of noisy vehicles in the Australian neighbourhood. The recent introduction of noise camera aimed at catching out vehicles that create noise unnecessarily will be able to restore peace to residents who have to put up with the noise daily. The camera works when triggered by sounds greater than a prohibited level of decibel. The picture of the offender will then be captured and the noise created recorded. Residents in general lauded the move as it would mean lesser noise and annoyance. However, critics claim that the system will allow offenders to escape hefty fines as they are allowed to correct the problem.
Critique:
The article is concise and straight-forward, focusing on the issue of noise problem faced by the Australian residents. It also provides a clear picture of how the noise camera works in catching out noise creators. Besides that, the author uses a neutral and fair tone without favouring any side in reporting the issue. The professionalism of the article makes it a good read as the views of both parties supporting and objecting the introduction of noise camera are portrayed clearly. In my opinion, the use of noise camera to address this problem is fairly appropriate as the offenders are jeopardizing the peace of the neighbourhood and thus shall be punished. As for the drivers, they still get the chance to fix the problem before losing their registration.