The Australian-first trial was undertaken as part of the government’s work to crack down on car and bike hoons who create unnecessary noise.

Data from the trial reveals several trends:

• Noisy driving peaks at night and on weekends, with these periods accounting for the most recorded events.
• Driver behaviour such as aggressive acceleration was a factor in all noisy events.
• Motorcycles are responsible for around 55% of noise events, despite representing only around 4% of registered vehicles in NSW.
• A small cohort of drivers is responsible for a high proportion of noisy events. Of all events, 55% are caused by the same group of vehicles that pass by the noise cameras at different times and days, and sometimes at more than one noise camera location.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is conducting a detailed analysis of the trial data to help determine the next steps in addressing noisy vehicles and noisy driving behaviour.

Fines were not issued during the trial period. The review was conducted to help determine whether the cameras can be used for enforcement in the future.

The EPA has also acted with NSW Police and Transport for NSW to target noisy and illegally modified vehicles with targeted campaigns in areas known to be frequented by offenders.

Officers conduct random inspections of vehicles suspected of being modified and assess their compliance with noise control regulations. Sixteen vehicles were issued with defective vehicle notices during enforcement campaigns late last year in Bulli and Rockdale.

Under existing legislation, on the spot fines can be issued for noisy vehicles with penalties up to $600 for individuals and potential court appearances for repeat offenders. NSW Police, Transport for NSW and local councils also regulate noise pollution from vehicles.

Quote attributable to Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“We have heard the community’s concerns about car and motorcycle hoons. This trial and compliance will help to take further action on our roads.

“The Minns Labor Government is continuing its efforts to identify noisy and illegally modified vehicles. Officers conduct random checks in hooning hotspots and assess whether vehicles meet noise standards.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley:

“Hoons who treat our roads like racetracks are not just a nuisance; they’re putting lives at risk.

“The message is simple: if you’re deliberately driving dangerously on our roads, expect police attention.

"NSW Police will continue working with Transport for NSW and the EPA to target this behaviour and hold offenders accountable."

Quote attributable to Member for Wollongong, Minister Paul Scully:

“Noisy vehicles and anti-social driver behaviour is a huge frustration for many Wollongong residents.

“The noise camera trial showed that while the technology is still developing, it can provide useful insights that will help improve enforcement.

“It shows it’s a small number of drivers doing the wrong thing and being a big irritant for residents.”

Quote attributable to Member for Rockdale, Minister Steve Kamper:

“The impact of ‘hooning’ behaviour on residents in the Bayside community should not be underestimated.

“The Minns Labor Government has delivered on its election promise to undertake a trial of this groundbreaking technology, to ensure we are investigating every potential solution to this issue.

“The collected data is already proving useful, and highlights the innovative work NSW Police, Transport for NSW and the EPA are undertaking.”

Quote attributable to Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart:

“The noise camera trial was greatly appreciated by residents who are affected by anti-social behaviour along our beautiful coastline roads. They are not speedways.

“The work of NSW Police, Transport for NSW and the EPA to crack down on these offenders is a great example of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to protecting our communities.”