Kelowna is planning to crack down on loud boats, motorcycles and car stereos by bringing in a new noise bylaw.
RCMP feel the existing bylaw is very difficult to enforce because it is too subjective.
City councillor Robert Hobson agrees with police.
"We don’t have an effective bylaw right now,” says Hobson. “People have to keep notes and be willing to go to court as witnesses."
RCMP Superintendent Bill McKinnon wants Kelowna to draft a bylaw similar to one that was put in place in Edmonton last summer. The bylaw permits police to issue a $250 fine to anyone with a motorcycle, boat, or car stereo that is louder than 96 decibels.
Police would have to purchase new hand-held devices known as decimetres to measure engine noise. The devices cost about $550 each.
City council has reacted favourably to McKinnon’s request.
Councillor Charlie Hodge says that when at home he is constantly bothered by loud motorcycles and boom boxes.
"I’m looking forward to seeing a crackdown," he says.
Kelowna council is expected to pass a new bylaw against excessive noise by late July or early August.
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