What are noise cameras? Why some B.C. cities want to give them a try

Noise cameras are equipped with high-definition audio and visual sensors to monitor traffic noise in real time

Published Sep 20, 2024  •  5 minute read

File photo of a noise monitoring camera in Edmonton. Photo by Greg Southam, Postmedia /PNG

Urban dwellers in B.C. who are sleep deprived because of the din of traffic at all hours may be pleased with a resolution at the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference this week.

The resolution, which was submitted to the UBCM by Port Moody, calls on the provincial government to adopt a noise camera pilot project aimed at cracking down on vehicles with noisy exhaust systems.

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“Noise pollution isn’t just an annoyance — it’s a public health issue. Chronic exposure to excessive noise has real consequences for our residents, from sleep disturbances to stress-related health problems, and it disproportionately affects residents that live along busy roads,” said Port Moody councillor Samantha Agtarap, a key proponent of the resolution. Agtarap will run in next month’s provincial election as the Green candidate in Port Moody-Burquitlam.

These cameras have been tested in other cities, including Calgary and Edmonton, but would be new to B.C.

Here are questions about what they are and whether they could work.

What are noise cameras?

They are similar to photo radar for capturing speeding drivers, but are also equipped with high-definition audio, as well as visual sensors that monitor sound levels and capture violations of noise regulations in real time.

The resolution calls for B.C. to test the cameras to see if they can capture drivers violating noise bylaws, particularly those with cars rigged with aftermarket exhaust systems — custom mufflers that are louder than factory systems, which are typically muted. 

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Other types of noise from vehicles would be engine revving and burnouts, or spinning tires.

Why install them?

The councillors who support the resolution say effective enforcement of existing regulations can be a challenge and resource intensive.

In an interview Friday, Saanich Coun. Teale Phelps Bondaroff, who is also a marine conservationist and a longtime supporter of noise cameras, said traditional enforcement methods, such as patrols and roadside inspections, are resource-intensive and can be dangerous for police officers.

“When you are woken up in the middle of the night by a loud vehicle driving past your window, the vehicle is long gone before you can gather the information needed to make an actionable report to the local authorities. Noise cameras help solve this problem,” he said.

Where would they be set up?

Phelps Bondaroff said it would be up to the province during a potential pilot program to figure out the best locations, similar to the priority areas for red light and speed cameras. Urban areas where high-traffic roads run through residential areas, for example St. John’s Street in Port Moody, would be a good places to put these types of cameras, he added.

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“A good pilot would test them in different settings,” he said.

Do the noise cameras capture any other noise, such as trains, or just vehicles?

The newer generation of noise cameras can filter out other noise such as ambulances, said Phelps Bondaroff, but at the moment they aren’t meant to track whether a train or any other mode of transportation is too loud.

When he first took the idea to Saanich council, Phelps Bondaroff said he had 47 letters of complaint about noisy vehicles in neighbourhoods.

What are the current sound regulations?

Under the Motor Vehicle Act, the maximum allowable decibels for vehicles is 83 dBA for light duty vehicles, 88 dBA for gas-driven heavy-duty vehicles, 91 dBA for motorcycles and 93 dBA for diesel-driven heavy-duty vehicles.

The law also prohibits driving a gas-powered car with a muffler with a modified exhaust outlet that increases the noise or allows a flame to be emitted from the exhaust system. 

What are the health issues associated with noise pollution?

Health experts have linked noise pollution to increased stress, cardiovascular issues, cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, and sleep disturbances.

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“Noise exposure is a major determinant of public health and the well-being of city residents. In other jurisdictions, noise exposure is actively monitored and managed. As our cities grow we must leverage technology to protect residents and maintain quality of life,” said North Vancouver Coun. Tony Valente.

Kelowna Coun. Gord Lovegrove also said there is data supporting the need to reduce excessive traffic noise on roads.

“For example, prolonged sleep disturbance and deprivation due to excessive traffic noise of adjacent visitors (motels) and residents leads to chronic high blood pressure and heart disease, a major burden on our public health system,” said Lovegrove in a statement.

According to Health Link, the B.C. government’s health website, sounds above 85 decibels  can be harmful and can lead to hearing loss, depending on the length and frequency of exposure. Examples of noises above 85 include heavy traffic, chainsaws and leaf blowers, noisy restaurants, power lawn mowers, motorcycles, sports crowds, concerts, car races and gunshots.

What are the fines for violating noise laws?

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If a police officer suspects your engine or exhaust does not comply with the law they may serve you a notice of inspection, which must be done within 30 days. If you get a ticket, the current fine is $109.

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What would a pilot project cost?

There’s no cost estimate yet because the province must look into conducting a pilot. Phelps Bondaroff said the revenue from the tickets would cover the cost of the cameras.

Who is affected the most by this type of noise pollution?

Phelps Bondaroff said as municipalities increase density there are more people living in high-traffic areas with increased traffic noise.

“And if you’re putting more of your affordable units on these major corridors, then that makes this an equity issue. A lot of research has been done that shows people who are lower income or live in more affordable housing will experience more noise pollution on a daily basis,” he said.

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