In our imagination riding a bike is calm and serene but in reality, it is often pumping with noise.
Trucks, cars and motorbikes are not only pumping poisons from their exhausts, they are also blasting noise.
Sure, we have noise pollution regulations that are designed to ensure noise emissions are not at harmful levels.
However, as every bike rider knows, there are thousands of vehicles that have been deliberately modified to make the engines louder.
Research reveals that insecure people drive noisy cars and motorcycles to seek attention.
Well, now they might have to try psychotherapy treatment instead.
The Victorian Government is launching a $1.3 million trial of roadside acoustic cameras with sensors to detect vehicle noise that is too loud while photographing the registration plate.
New South Wales is also trialling the new technology.
The cameras will be installed in locations impacted by multiple noise complaints, following consultation with Victoria Police.
The data will be used by Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) officers to issue vehicle testing notices to ensure vehicles are operating within regulated noise limits.
If testing confirms a vehicle exceeds regulated noise limits, action must be taken to bring the noise level into compliance.
Failure to act can result in a $1,221 fine for individuals and a $6,105 fine for companies.
In 2020–2021, the EPA received 5,404 noise reports; last year that jumped to more than 9,100 with almost 5,000 noisy vehicle testing notices and 1,222 noisy vehicle infringement notices issued in 2025.
The EPA will trial seven cameras over the next two years in hot spot locations across the state. Acoustic cameras can be mounted roadside or fixed to poles.
Victorian drivers can expect to see the acoustic noise cameras in operation later this year.
Victorian Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said: “Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities and we will keep it that way by tackling noise pollution caused by hoon drivers.”
“This acoustic camera trial will help in detecting and reducing the number of noisy vehicles in our streets and suburbs helping families feel safer.”
Victorian drivers can expect to see the acoustic noise cameras in operation later this year.
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