CALGARY- The company helping crack down on noise violations says they are parting ways with the city, over a disagreement about how noise is measured.
Street Noise Reduction Systems (SNR) has provided the equipment for Bylaw’s Noise Snare operations, which were introduced just a couple of years ago. The device measures the decibel level of vehicles, and those caught exceeding 96 decibels could get a $270 ticket.
However, SNR Systems says the wording of the bylaw is hindering the program’s success—since it does not specify distance.
“It is likely possible to measure a sound level of 96 dB from a hybrid vehicle if the measurement is taken close enough, yet it is also possible that the most heavily modified motorcycle sporting straight pipes can yield a reading of less than 50 dB if it passes a block away,” the company says in a statement. “The obvious problem is that no one alive would reasonably consider the hybrid vehicle to be objectionably loud.”
SNR Systems says it has repeatedly asked Animal and Bylaw Services to address council with concerns about the wording or to arrange a meeting, but that has still not happened.
“Without the distance specification, the present wording of the noise bylaw is completely incompatible with the operation of the Noise Snare.”
SNR Systems says it is ceasing operations with the city in two months.
“It’s unfortunate that we could not find resolution. My thanks to the inventor who provided the technology at no cost to the City to conduct a trial last year,” said Tracy Bertsch, Director, Animal & Bylaw Services. “In this case the business objectives associated with the trial were not achieved. We will continue to seek out other options, including new technology as it becomes available.”
Bylaw officials say noise complaints are one of the most frequent calls they receive, and 347 excessive vehicle noise complaints were filed in 2012.
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