A new noise camera system will be used to monitor heavy vehicles as part of a Brumby Labor Government commitment to reduce excessive truck noise on Victorian roads.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP, said Lismore and the Princes Hwy, Camperdown would be among the areas targeted by the technology, which will be used for road surveillance and enforcement starting next month.
“Not all heavy vehicles emit excessive noise, but loud engine brakes are inappropriate in built-up areas and can affect the community’s quality of life,” said Ms Tierney.
“The noise camera technology will allow VicRoads to enforce the heavy vehicle national noise emission standards across Victoria and to reduce noise from engine brakes – with non-compliance ultimately resulting in suspension of a truck’s registration.”
Ms Tierney said excessively noisy trucks would trigger the camera to take a photo and record the noise level of the offending vehicle, the location and time of the event.
“If over the permitted on-road noise level standards, the vehicle owner will receive a notice of non-compliance. The truck would then need to be presented to an approved EPA Victoria noise testing station to ensure compliance. Failure to do so will result in suspension of the vehicle’s registration.
“Truck owners need to ensure that their vehicle is well maintained and that the exhaust system is not defective.”
To ensure that trucks are not excessively noisy, truck owners should:
• Have a vehicle maintenance program in place to ensure that the exhaust system is not defective and that the muffler is free of holes and rust.
• Not modify the standard exhaust on the vehicle.
• Ensure the exhaust system has not been replaced with a cheap, ineffective muffler or non-standard components.
• Have policies and procedures in place that require drivers to use engine brakes responsibly and avoid their use in built up or residential areas.
• Require drivers to report any defects with the exhaust system.
On road surveillance and enforcement will commence in March across Victoria and continue throughout the year.