CALGARY- Police are getting set to restore some peace and quiet to Calgary streets.
Starting in August, the traffic unit will be testing a noise measuring device that will help them enforce a bylaw concerning excessive vehicle noise. They will then head to areas like 17 Avenue S.W. where a number of complaints have been made, to determine what would qualify as ‘excessive’ noise.
Restaurant owners in the area say loud vehicles have been driving some business away.
“A lot of people come here looking for a really quiet, calm, serene experience when they are sitting on the patio, and all they hear is revving engines,” says Ali Wicklum from Brava Bistro. “It doesn’t exactly allow for that kind of atmosphere.”
The devices will help police catch violators, though there is not a specific decibel limit that will get them pulled over.
“We are not relying on the instrument to make that decision for us,” explains Sgt. Dean Vegso from the Calgary Police Service. “That evidence is going to be based on the officer, and he’ll decide what he thinks is excessive and just use the instrument as an extra piece of evidence.”
During the test period, drivers of loud vehicles will only get a warning, but could still be ticketed for things like improper equipment or stunting. The normal fine for a vehicle emitting excessive noise is $115.
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