Starting from 1 July 2019, the EPA has been working with local environmental authorities, police, and motor vehicle agencies to strengthen controls on noise pollution caused by illegally modified vehicles. In addition, the EPA has introduced a new certification program for exhaust systems and “sound camera” technology to crack down on noisy modified vehicles.
There have been several recent media reports on the roaring sound of modified vehicles ruining the peace and quiet in neighborhoods. The causes of the loud noise are usually from illegally modified exhaust systems or the removal of mufflers. Therefore, the EPA reminds vehicle owners that any modifications to exhaust systems must not only be in compliance with traffic safety rules but also regulations regarding noise pollution and pollutant emissions. Furthermore, the EPA has implemented a new certification program for modified exhaust systems and has been assisting vehicle manufacturers and importers with the registration of the certification. In the future, vehicles with unregistered or uncertified exhaust systems will be barred from roads.
The EPA has been working in conjunction with local environmental authorities, police, and motor vehicle agencies to conduct inspections of noisy vehicles and protect citizens from nuisance noise. The inspections are done by first setting up sound cameras equipped with noise detection and license plate recognition systems at locations and times with frequent noise complaints. When a vehicle is determined as noisy by the camera, it will be further inspected for any violations.
The EPA urges vehicle owners not to make any modifications to the exhaust systems that would result in noise pollution. The EPA will continue cooperating with local environmental authorities, police, and motor vehicle agencies to conduct inspections with sound cameras, and offenders will be punished in accordance with the law.
Excerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 22 (7)
- Source:
- Ministry of Environment
- Updated:
- 2019-10-22
- Hit:
- 5487