New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Noise regulations must be enforced
We who live in close proximity of the intersection of Routes 42 and 63 in Bethany CT request, no demand, that the state of Connecticut start enforcing traffic laws and also laws that control vehicle noise limits.
Most of us have lived in this area for many years. The road system was never this bad. As a matter of fact the traffic was so light that there was not a traffic light anywhere. Today with the population growth and commercial progress of Naugatuck, Prospect, Cheshire, Woodbridge and even Bethany, this area turned into a residential nightmare.
The biggest issue is the noise level emitted from open header motorcycles, from hot rod souped up vehicles of all types and from many vehicles that have faulty or damaged exhaust systems. These people according to our liberties have rights to drive what they please, when they please; however, they need to keep their vehicle legal and follow the laws of the state of Connecticut. They do not follow the law and the state troopers do not enforce the law. Why is that? Lack of personnel, lack of budget, lack of desire, catering to the cries of motorcyclists who say they need loud noise for their safety. By bothering their fellow drivers and local residents won’t earn them any respect or added safety. It will only create more trouble than it solves.
I recall the day when drag racing was illegal, not today? It’s illegal but those who do it know they won’t get caught. I’ve seen many vehicles just come into the area to test out their hopped up engines. They burn rubber and backfire like thunder. This happens all times of the day and night.
Another issue is the disrespect that truck drivers have for the people who live in this area when they have to engage in their blasting loud Jake-Brake air stopping system. Give us a break, show some respect.
One more insult to injury; it’s not enough that we have to listen the excessively loud, ear splitting motorcycles with illegal exhausts but some motorcyclists install stereo radios on their motorcycles and play them above ear splitting decibel levels so they can hear it over their own illegal exhaust. That is so wrong, give us a break.
What about the rights of the good taxpaying, law abiding citizens who live in the area of Routes 42 and 63 intersections? We have rights, too. We have the right to peace and quiet. We pay a lot of tax dollars to live in Bethany, which was supposed to be rural, quiet, peaceful and friendly. However what you get today is irritation, frustration, anxiety, lost sleep, worry, aggravation and nervousness. Even the grandkids are scared when woken up at night to the noise. Studies have been done on excessive noise levels and its negative effects on the average person. The findings are
We don’t expect complete silence, it’s a highway but we do expect the noise to be kept under control.
not good.
We don’t expect complete silence, it’s a highway but we do expect the noise to be kept under control. What should be done about it? First of all enforce state noise laws concerning motor vehicle noise emissions.
This area in question in Bethany was the place to be, really nice. However today what we get is excessive noise that permeates the walls of our homes. The sound interrupts conversations, sleep, music, television and most of all the peace and quiet of why we all moved here. Most of us can’t even have a calm casual picnic on our decks without the annoyance of all this excessive noise. Some of us cannot play a musical instrument without being intruded upon by road noise. It’s ridiculous.
If there’s a question as to when the excessive noise occurs it could be at any time of the day or night. People have the right to drive when they want, so they drive anytime they want. There are periods when more vehicles are on the road, thus emitting more noise, those periods coincide with rush hours but not limited to those times. Weekend travel could be even worse when there are hoards or groups of motorcyclist riding together, most of them have illegal exhausts and radios blaring.
What about the values of our homes and property? I’ll bet that the value of real estate in this area has gone down. Does anyone care about that but us homeowners? No, this location has become devalued. Location certainly means something and excessive road noise has ruined this location’s appeal.
We urgently need our state to respond to our concerns in a positive and very timely manner. Please help us to enjoy our homes to their fullest and do whatever is necessary to enforce the laws and take control of the recklessness and inconsiderateness of all vehicles that use these roads. People who live here do have rights too.
The state should be diligently enforcing traffic and vehicle laws that currently exist. Tickets (with a fine and inspection requirement) must be given to offenders. To get vehicles approved for the road again they must be inspected by the DMV.
Remember the state seat belt initiative, when we all got stopped for compliance?
How about stopping vehicles to make sure they comply with noise emission standards? The state should also use signage to inform drivers that there are residents in the area and they should drive courteously, no excessive speeding, no burn outs, no drag racing, no engine backfiring, no blaring of horns and keep your exhaust legal.