Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has warned motorists to ensure their vehicles are kept within legal noise limits after a series of roadside blitzes in Westmeadows, Oak Park, Frankston and Greenvale.
From 30 March to 27 April, EPA issued 21 fines and eight official warnings for noisy vehicles in roadside operations conducted with Victoria Police.
EPA officers tested 35 cars for excessive noise and found 29 vehicles exceeded legal noise limits. Fines are $738 for individuals and $1476 for a company car.
“Noisy vehicles are unacceptable, particularly when they have been deliberately modified for performance,” EPA’s Regulatory Practice and Strategy Executive Director Chris Webb said.
“Noisy vehicles can cause annoyance, sleep disturbance and other health impacts.
“Deliberately modifying vehicles in this way shows a blatant disregard for the community members who have a right to live in an environment that is free from preventable noisy disturbances.
“EPA takes noise issues seriously. Since July 2014, EPA has issued 1742 notices for excessive vehicle noise.”
A notice requires the vehicle owner to obtain a Certificate of Compliance from an approved EPA noise tester, and make whatever repairs or modifications are needed to be within legal noise limits.
EPA can suspend a vehicle’s registration if a Certificate of Compliance is not provided.
EPA encourages the community to report noisy vehicles at their local police station. If a police officer is able to observe the vehicle being too noisy on a public road, the vehicle will be referred to EPA so a notice can be issued to the vehicle owner.
For further information on noisy vehicles, please visit: http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/your-environment/noise/motor-vehicle-train-and-tram-noise