Photo radar for noise hits Edmonton streets to deter loud exhaust
EDMONTON It’s not a crackdown yet, but city officials set up new vehiclenoise monitoring stations around Edmonton Wednesday that could eventually lead to automated ticketing similar to photo radar.
Four stations with cameras triggered by loud noise have already been set up, and motorists will soon see electronic signs telling people with modified mufflers exactly how loud they are.
Sometimes referred to as photo radar for noise, the equipment takes photos or videos, which city officials hope will eventually be allowed as proof in court. Then people who modify mufflers on motorcycles, cars or trucks can be issued ticket after ticket until they stop, without tying up limited police resources.
“It’s probably one in 5,000 people who are driving these vehicles. But one of them can disrupt the lives of tens of thousands of people,” said Ward 6 Coun. Scott McKeen, who fields complaints from people living downtown and within earshot of noise hot spots such as Groat Road. He said he hopes live display boards will raise awareness of the problem and not just become a draw for noise lovers to test how loud they can be.
Noise is a big issue. It drives residents out of neighbourhoods and destroys the peace, he said. “Cities will take drastic action at some point.”
Deputy city manager Gord Cebryk said difficulty renting the equipment delayed the pilot project, but it will run through September.
That should still give officials enough information to take further steps against noise in 2019.
His team is scheduled to report back in November with data on hot spots and any legislative changes (municipal or provincial) required for an enforcement program.
There are eight locations where the sound-monitoring equipment is being set up.
Cameras will be at:
• Jasper Avenue from 109 Street to 124 Street;
• 114 Street south from 82 Avenue and into Belgravia;
• Groat Road;
• 137 Avenue between 97 Street and 127 Street
LCD display boards will be at:
• 124 Street from 118 Avenue to Jasper Avenue;
• Victoria Park Road;
• 99 Street between Whyte Avenue and Whitemud Drive;
• Fort Road from 66 Street to 137 Avenue.