Police looking to crack down on South Devon's noisy drivers

Police are planning to up their battle against anti-social behaviour in a crackdown on South Devon's troublesome drivers using 'noise' cameras.

Communities affected by antisocial behaviour are being asked where they would like to see a new noise camera being deployed. 

Following trials of the new technology in other parts of the country, Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez says she would like to see Devon and Cornwall Police working with councils to identify locations which would most benefit from the use of the technology.  

A noise camera is an Automatic Numberplate Recognition camera attached to a microphone which can take a directional sound sample.  

Currently, Devon & Cornwall Police have one camera which is situated near Exmouth seafront.  

For the camera to become operational in any area the police need to work with councils to identify the most appropriate legislation for enforcement. 

Evidence obtained from the camera can then be used by the police to penalise drivers.  

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “My office is supporting an approach which, if successful, could totally revolutionise the response to this type of persistent ASB. The technology is already proven; the police are now working with a local council to agree plans for how the evidence from the camera is used when it is operational. 

“The use of noise cameras requires close partnership working between councils and the police. 

“Anyone who experiences ASB through noisy driving should report it to the police and the council. That evidence will help the police prioritise action and it could influence decisions about where the police deploy the new noise camera. 

“I would also encourage anyone who has a noisy driver problem to contact my office to see if we can help coordinate the all-important partnership working between councils and the police.” 

Advances in technology are already being utilised by Devon & Cornwall Police and the Vision Zero South West partnership to improve road safety. The force undertook the world’s first pilot of artificial intelligence camera systems designed to identify impaired drivers on the roads.  

It has also used advanced AI camera systems to detect offences like mobile phone use and not wearing seatbelts.