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New noise camera trial to reduce truck disturbance

A new noise camera system will be used to monitor heavy vehicles as part of the Brumby Government’s commitment to reduce excessive truck noise on Victorian roads

February 23, 2010

A new noise camera system will be used to monitor heavy vehicles as part of a Brumby Government’s commitment to reduce excessive truck noise on Victorian roads.

Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas says excessive truck engine brake noise is a problem in some areas and new noise cameras will be used for road surveillance and enforcement starting next month.

“We understand people are concerned about trucks on our roads, which is why the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to build a better transport system and move trucks away from residential streets,” he says.

“Not all heavy vehicles emit excessive noise, but loud engine brakes are inappropriate in built up areas and can affect a community’s quality of life.

“The new noise cameras 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.”

Pallas says excessively noisy trucks will 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,” he says.

“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.

“This Government understands and values the importance of the freight industry, but it must work with the community and adhere to noise minimisation regulations.

“Heavy vehicles are generally fitted with good muffler systems that cause minimal noise when the engine brake is activated, but vehicle owners need to ensure their trucks are well maintained and that exhaust systems are not defective.”

Some of the areas being initially targeted by VicRoads include Geelong Ring Road, near Waurn Ponds, Frankston, Yarraville, Buninyong and Southbank.

The Brumby Government committed to reducing the noise from trucks as a priority in its Freight Futures strategy.

Planning works worth more than $20 million have also begun on WestLink and the Truck Action Plan, as part of the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan, creating alternative routes for freight and keeping trucks away from residential areas.

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