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Move to use a defined decibel limit to tackle noisy vehicles

A move is being made to accelerate the inclusion of a decibel limit in proposals to deal with noisy vehicles which will go to the States later this month.

The States has debated nuisance exhausts numerous times since 2007, when the late Deputy Dave Jones led a successful requete directing action.
The States has debated nuisance exhausts numerous times since 2007, when the late Deputy Dave Jones led a successful requete directing action. / Guernsey Press

An amendment has been submitted by Deputies Adrian Gabriel and Mark Helyar, who said that a decibel limit was necessary to provide the authorities with clarity and help them prevent excessive noise pollution and make sure that vehicles complied with expected community standards.

They also believe that anyone using a vehicle should have certainty about the new limits of acceptable noise.

‘Just as speed limits inform drivers of the maximum speed allowed, and parking disc zones specify parking restrictions, a decibel limit would inform vehicle owners of the acceptable noise levels,’ they said.

Under proposals submitted to the States by the Home Affairs and Environment & Infrastructure Committees, the authorities would have to show that an exhaust on a car or motorbike had been altered before they could prosecute someone for circulating a noisy vehicle.

The committees are also asking the States to back further research into the possibility of a strict decibel limit, informed by a new data collection trial.

Deputy Gabriel, the vice-president of E&I, and Deputy Helyar want a different approach which would provide E&I with powers to make regulations – the lowest level of legislation locally – setting a decibel limit.

They said that setting and enforcing noise decibel limits would be the best way of making sure that vehicle modifications to improve performance were carried out responsibly.

‘This balance allows enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby without negatively impacting the community with excessive noise.’

They also said that a well-understood and enforced limit would contribute to protecting public health.

‘We know that excessive vehicle noise can contribute to noise pollution, which has been linked to various health issues, including stress, hearing loss and sleep disturbances.

‘Setting a legal limit helps mitigate these risks and promotes a healthier living environment.’

The deputies said that many motorsport disciplines already had vehicle decibel limits, which demonstrated such standards were feasible and effective.

As well as providing a ‘clear’ way for law enforcement officials to assess and respond to noise complaints, they said that a defined decibel limit would help the courts deal with legal proceedings against offenders.

The States has debated nuisance exhausts numerous times since 2007, when the late Deputy Dave Jones led a successful requete directing action.

Difficulty defining excessive noise has been among the reasons for delay.

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