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Acoustic camera helps curb anti-social driving

Andrew Turner/BBC A sound camera which uses cameras and sound recording devices to capture evidence on antisocial driving. It shows various aerials and cameras on a pole, in silhouette.Andrew Turner/BBC
The sound camera has seen one driver given a fine and points and 26 more issued with warnings

A camera that captures sound in areas blighted by anti-social behaviour has led to one driver getting a fine and points on his licence - and 26 further warning letters to motorists.

The device was fitted on Marine Parade in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, as part of a trial in 2022 - then permanently this summer.

It is intended to deter antisocial and dangerous driving, which police link to car enthusiasts who gather on the seafront.

Sgt 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."

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has been commended by the Noise Abatement Society for installing the sound device.

At the John Connell Awards, held at the Palace of Westminster on 16 October, host Lord Balfe praised the authority for its efforts to tackle noise pollution.

Andrew Turner/BBC Great Yarmouth's Marine Parade showing a two-lane road with plants separating each lane. Various sea front buildings and plants, with lamp standards each side, plus the camera post with the Accoustic Recognition Camera on the left-most of the picture.Andrew Turner/BBC
Sgt Dan Smith, of Norfolk Police, says none of the enforcement actions would have been possible without the camera in place

The noise-activated camera records revving engines, street racing, loud music and popping exhausts, using a series of microphones linked to cameras and automatic number plate recognition devices.

'Inconsiderate drivers'

Sgt Smith added: "We have already managed to identify 26 road users to receive educational letters regarding their conduct and one driver has admitted to driving in a careless and inconsiderate manner, receiving a fine and points on their licence.

"At the same time, we’ve been working with Great Yarmouth Borough Council to highlight any breaches of the Public Spaces Protection Order.

"None of these incidents would have been enforced if this camera was not in place."

Costing £25,000, it is fixed to a CCTV standard on St Nicholas Car Park and was part of a £149,000 package funded by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Norfolk Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk to address safety concerns among residents.

Councillor Paul Wells, Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Environment, said: "We know our residents have long been troubled by a small minority of inconsiderate drivers on the seafront, some of whom behave illegally.

"We are delighted that our noise-activated camera has been recognised with this award.

"I’d like to thank all of our partners involved in this project, including the police and PCC.

"Without their valuable support the camera would not be in place."

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