Australia’s first-ever noise camera trial aims to create quieter, safer communities. Experts from the University of Technology Sydney are testing the cutting-edge technology, which detects vehicle noise pollution.
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Australia’s first-ever noise camera trial launched this week in the Bayside Council area in Sydney, introducing cutting-edge technology to combat vehicle noise pollution and hoon behaviour.
The initiative is led by the NSW Government in collaboration with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Bayside Council, Transport for NSW, NSW Police, and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
"We are committed to finding innovative solutions to make our communities safer and more livable. This trial will help us better understand how noise cameras can curb anti-social behaviour and reckless driving,” said Member for Rockdale Steve Kamper.
The trial responds to mounting concerns from residents and businesses in Bayside, where excessively noisy vehicles and anti-social driving have disrupted daily life. To target these issues effectively, the camera locations were chosen following extensive input from the community, councils, and technical experts.
The advanced SoundVue Noise Camera System, developed by UK company Intelligent Instruments, has been successfully deployed in cities like London and New York. Equipped with a sophisticated microphone array and dual cameras, the system captures high-quality audio and video to monitor roadside noise levels with precision.
UTS researchers, through the Centre for Audio, Acoustics, and Vibration, are conducting technical evaluations of an additional noise camera in a controlled environment, providing critical insights to ensure the system performs effectively under various conditions.
"Preliminary testing of the noise camera technology was completed in the acoustics chamber at UTS Tech Lab, one of Australia’s premier engineering acoustics facilities," said UTS Associate Professor Ben Halkon.
Tech Lab Acoustics Chamber.
"By leveraging our expertise in comparable technologies, including industry-standard sound measurement and noise source localisation solutions, we will evaluate the performance of the sound level meter – which detects excessive exhaust noise – and the microphone array/wide-angle camera – which detects the precise location of the noise source.
"These rigorous, systematically conducted tests will validate the system’s accuracy and reliability, paving the way for its use in addressing vehicle noise pollution effectively in NSW," he said.
Unlike traditional enforcement mechanisms, no fines will be issued during the trial period. Instead, data collected will inform a comprehensive review, helping determine whether noise cameras can serve as a regulatory tool in the future. The trial will run until December 2025.
The partnership with UTS Tech Lab showcases the importance of collaboration between government, research institutions, and industry in tackling complex environmental issues. By combining advanced technology with community-driven feedback, the trial sets the foundation for innovative approaches to reducing noise pollution and enhancing urban living standards.