Rotterdam deploys first noise-detecting cameras to crack down on loud driving
Rotterdam has become the first city in the Netherlands to install noise-detecting traffic cameras in an effort to curb loud and disruptive driving, with initial deployments at Haagseveer in the city center and Strevelsweg in Rotterdam-Zuid, Rijnmond reports. It could still take years before the city is in a position to issue fines, the city's traffic alderman said.
The pilot program, launched on Thursday, targets so-called “traffic antisocials” by recording vehicles that exceed a noise threshold of 80 decibels, which is comparable to a vacuum cleaner or blender running indoors, or even a freight train at a greater distance. When the limit is exceeded, the system stores images of the vehicle.
The cameras will first operate at two locations: Haagsveer, a side street of the Meent known for nighttime joyriding, and Strevelsweg, where speeding and racing frequently occur along a tunnel route. After four weeks, the cameras will be relocated to Laan op Zuid and Maasboulevard.
The project is being carried out in cooperation with the Public Prosecution Service. At present, noisy drivers can only be fined when caught in the act. With combined sound measurement and license plate registration, authorities may no longer need to be physically present at the scene.
The municipality says it has received numerous complaints about noise pollution and unnecessary disturbance from loud drivers. Alderman Pascal Lansink-Bastemeijer for Enforcement and Mobility (VVD) said, "In many places in the city, residents and entrepreneurs are driven crazy by hard-accelerating cars, motorcycles, loud exhaust pipes, and other motorized noise-makers that are going wild.” He added, “With this pioneering work, we are taking the next step to address antisocial traffic behavior.”
For the time being, enforcement offers and police can only hand out fines for blatantly loud and unnecessary noises. It could still take years of testing and refinement before the city will have the option for fines to be issued without one of the authorities actually present at the scene.
Lansink-Bastemeijer said, "If this test succeeds and we overcome several legal hurdles, it will make it easier for police and enforcement officers to act on noise violations. That will increase the chance of catching ‘traffic antisocials’ and loud show-offs.”
The noise cameras are part of a broader package of measures against traffic disruption in the city. Rotterdam already uses mobile speed cameras to target speeding drivers and has closed streets in certain areas to deter street racing.
