'Boy racers' and owners of flash cars could be slapped with painful fines for making too much noise - if a trial proves successful in catching them.
Indeed, noisy motorists driving cars registered since 2016 are running the risk of being hit with a painful fixed penalty notice of up to £100, if the external noise from their vehicle exceeds 72 decibels (dB) while on public roads. Meanwhile, the legal limit for cars registered after 2007 but before 2016 is 76 dB, according to the Vehicle Certification Agency guidelines.
The warning comes in the wake of a new network of acoustic cameras being rolled out in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, where almost 10,000 vehicles triggered the cameras for making too much noise, between June 2021 and February 2022. Drivers of BMWs were the most common culprits, followed by Lamborghini, Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi and Land Rover drivers, in that order.
But it's not just drivers of supercars or SUVs who are running the risk of fines. A common reason for a blaring exhaust is leaking - which typically occurs when the exhaust becomes too old. Another reason for an ear-splitting exhaust is when the car's engine becomes too powerful as a result of modifications.
Alex MacGregor at DrivingExperience.com, comments: "Noisy cars on public roads are not only a nuisance, but can also have a serious impact on road users' health. Long-term exposure to noise from road traffic in our neighbourhoods and cities every day can cause hearing damage and heightened stress levels."
However, those who wish to feel the thrill of the noise have the opportunity to do so, safely, on a race circuit. The maximum noise limit at race circuits across the UK is typically around 105dB – representing a huge 42 per cent increase from the public road limit.
Alex concluded: "Part of the enjoyment of driving a high-performance vehicle is hearing the thunder of the engine and the exhaust. The best and safest place to experience this is by undertaking a driving experience at one of Britain's historic race circuits. This way, thrillseekers can satisfy their need for speed, in a safe environment, all while avoiding being punished with a hefty fine!"
Visit our Famous Racing Circuits page on the DrivingExperience.com website today to view driving experiences available to book at renowned motorsport circuits across the UK, including Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Donington Park, from available dates on our Driving Experiences Calendar or through purchase of our Gift Vouchers.
