Bristol A4174: Ring road to get noise-detecting camera to crack down on ‘reckless drivers’

A noise-detecting camera will be introduced on the A4174 ring road in Bristol as part of a crackdown on antisocial drivers, and to reduce pollution. The location is one of four chosen across the country, Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said in an announcement today.

The cameras will be fitted with a video camera along with microphones to accurately pinpoint excessively noisy vehicles as they pass by. Evidence of drivers breaking the law by revving engines and using modified exhausts will then be passed on to Avon and Somerset Police.

The camera on the A4174 will be installed between the Kingsfield and Wraxall Road roundabouts, near Barrs Court and Warmley. Other cameras will be introduced in Bradford, Great Yarmouth and Birmingham.

The location was chosen following a successful bid by Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore, supported by Warmley and Parkwall councillors Sam and Elizabeth Bromiley. The councillors said: “We are absolutely delighted that our area has been selected to be a part of this trial.

“For too long local residents have been plagued by inconsiderate and reckless drivers and cause disruption without a care and it is great that we are ensuring local police are getting the support they need to take appropriate action and keep our communities safe and peaceful.”

If successful, the two-month trial could be rolled out nationwide by the Department for Transport, which said road noise contributed to health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes and dementia. It also said that the annual social cost of urban road noise, including lost productivity from sleep disturbance and health costs was estimated to be up to £10 billion.

Ms Trevelyan said: “Rowdy road drivers beware – these new cameras will help the police clampdown on those who break the legal noise limits or use illegal modified exhausts to make excessive noise in our communities.

“We’ll be working closely with the local authorities and police to share any findings, and I hope that this technology paves the way for quieter, peaceful streets across the country.”

Bristol’s camera will be introduced within the next two months.