New noise cameras in the East of England deter drivers from socialising or face massive fines

The cameras are part of a broader initiative to combat vehicle-related anti-social behaviour in Norfolk. Authorities aim to improve community safety by targeting excessively noisy vehicles and other disruptive behaviours on the roads.

Operation Octane, which launched in October last year, aims to prevent and tackle vehicle-related anti-social behaviour.

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Sergeant Dan Smith of the Great Yarmouth Operational Partnership Team said: "Since the Acoustic Recognition Camera was installed in the summer it has been a great asset to road safety and tackling anti-social behaviour in the area."

The initiative includes an escalation model for offenders, starting with warning letters and potentially leading to arrests for breaches of Criminal Behaviour Orders.

The approach has shown promising results with only 14 per cent of drivers issued initial warnings reoffended between April 2023 and September 2024. Compared to the previous year, vehicle-related anti-social behaviour (ASB) reports have decreased by nine per cent.

Inspector Will Drummond from the Roads and Armed Policing Team stated: "We have seen how effective early intervention can be. Our initial warnings have encouraged positive behaviour change and led to fewer instances of vehicle related ASB."

The number of large car meets has also significantly reduced, with zero incidents reported in August and September 2024.

Local councils have implemented Public Spaces Protection Orders to combat vehicle-related ASB. These orders impose conditions in specific areas to ensure public safety and enjoyment of public spaces.

The protected spaces are now district-wide in Norwich, South Norfolk and Broadland. Great Yarmouth and Kings Lynn are partly covered, while Thetford's order is being considered.

Broadland District Council Cabinet member, Jan Davis, said: "The Council introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order in April which has proved to be a huge success. We have seen a substantial reduction in incidents of vehicle-related ASB."

South Norfolk Councillor, Keith Kiddie added: "We do not want to deter the many people who enjoy getting together to socialise and talk about their shared passion for cars. This is about working with Norfolk Constabulary, to put a stop to a particular kind of anti-social behaviour that our communities were experiencing."

The acoustic recognition camera in Great Yarmouth has already proven effective. Since its installation, 26 road users have been identified to receive educational letters regarding their conduct.

One driver has admitted to driving in a careless and inconsiderate manner, resulting in a fine and points on their licence.

Smith highlighted the camera's importance noting that “none of these incidents would have been enforced if this camera was not in place."

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Residents experiencing vehicle-related ASB are encouraged to contact police on 101, providing as much information as safely possible, including registration plates.