Technology is Used in New York City to Identify Noisy Cars

Technology is being used by New York municipal officials to reduce noise pollution on municipal streets. Radar sound collector-equipped cameras pick up on noisy cars in an attempt to apprehend drivers who break noise ordinances. According to New York officials, at least 71 persons have been fined for running loudly motorized cars or trucks. There are currently initiatives to increase the use of technology in the city’s Department of Environmental Protection to enforce noise regulations. The Associated Press (AP) was informed by City Council member Erik Bottcher that automobiles with illegally modified parts can make incredibly loud noises. According to him, the issue has been becoming worse recently. Bottcher is in favor of using radar to lessen noise in the city.

There are already some of the strictest laws in the nation geared at regulating noise levels on public streets in New York public. It has established acceptable noise thresholds for cars and construction equipment. Offenders that have their vehicle numbers recorded by the new devices get a violation notification in the mail. For a first noise infraction, owners might be fined up to $8,000. If someone has three infractions and doesn’t show up for court, they may have to pay up to $2,625 in penalties. According to the AP, there is data to back up the claim that noise has an impact on mood and mental health in addition to hearing.

Even higher blood pressure and heart disease risks may be associated with noise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “You hear the noise outside, it never stops—trucks, sirens, and horns,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said to reporters during a press conference. “The risk of chronic disease is increased and sleep quality is negatively impacted by noise pollution.” Something that lasts a long period, like a disease, is referred to as “chronic.” Michael Bloomberg, a former mayor, started a fight against noise almost ten years ago. A 45-page booklet had a number of guidelines, like what to do when dogs bark and ice cream trucks ring.