Edmonton began tracking vehicle noise in several high-traffic areas on Monday, using signs that detect and measure sound.
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The signs flash decibel levels, indicating if a vehicle is too loud for the community standards.
Results of the pilot project will be presented to city councillors in November.
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The pilot is costing between $50,000 and $100,000.
LCD signs are located at 124 Street from 118 Avenue to Jasper Avenue, along Victoria Park Road, 99 Street between Whyte Avenue and Whitemud Drive, Fort Road from 66 Avenue to 137 Avenue.
Cameras are also part of the 2018 pilot. They’re located on Jasper Avenue from 109 Street to 124 Street, 114 Street south from 82 Avenue and into Belgravia, Groat Road, 137 Avenue between 97 Street and 127 Street.
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Drivers are not yet being ticketed.
“If the pilot project confirms the feasibility of using automated noise-detection equipment for the possible prosecution of excessive vehicle noise, city council would need to approve the necessary bylaw,” Gary Dyck, a spokesperson for the city’s Traffic Safety department, told Global News.
“This would be followed by the purchase of equipment and set up of the program before automated enforcement could begin.”
In April, Coun. Andrew Knack said the number of complaints have recently plateaued but had risen dramatically since 2013.
READ MORE: City of Edmonton looks to tackle excessive vehicle noise: ‘I think it’s long overdue’
| Citizen complaints regarding noise from motor vehicles: | |
| 2013 | 70 |
| 2014 | 94 |
| 2015 | 123 |
| 2016 | 137 |
| 2017 | 123 |
— with files from Julia Wong, Global News