A team of officers from Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) and Victoria Police has conducted a roadside operation targeting noisy vehicles at Melton, after complaints from the public.
The weekend operation resulted in seven cars tested on the spot, and six failing to comply with vehicle standards for noise emissions under the Environment Protection (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 2013.
The loudest vehicle tested was a Ford Falcon that recorded a reading of 100 dB, which is 10 dB above the legal limit for that vehicle. This sounds twice as loud to the human ear, and is loud enough to affect people in the street and nearby homes.
Two of the drivers are expected to face a fine of nearly $800 each, and four more can expect to receive an official warning.
One driver refused to comply with the direction to pull over for EPA testing, but was soon intercepted and may also face a fine.
Failing to pull over as directed or driving by in a noisy car will not avoid noise testing. EPA officers can note the registration number of a passing noisy vehicle and issue a notice requiring the registered owner to take the vehicle to an EPA approved vehicle noise tester and acquire a certificate of compliance to prove their vehicle meets legal noise limits.
EPA Executive Director, Assessments, Tim Eaton, says the limits are designed to protect the community from unreasonable levels of noise, and driving an excessively noisy vehicle can cost the motorist a fine of nearly $800.
“In a residential area like Melton, noisy vehicles can interfere with people’s enjoyment of shopping, cafes or just going about their lives in their own neighbourhood, including getting a good night’s sleep,” Mr Eaton said.
“You can report a noisy vehicle at your local police station, and if a police officer assesses the vehicle as being too noisy, it will be referred to EPA, which may issue the vehicle owner with a notice requiring that it be sent for testing,” he said.
“The unreasonable noise provisions of the Environment Protection Act 1970 also apply to vehicles on residential premises, such as a car left running in the driveway.”
“The rules apply to motorcycles too, and drivers and riders who choose to modify their machines leave themselves open to enforcement action from EPA and Victoria Police if their vehicles are identified to be too loud,” Mr Eaton said.
The team will be doing more testing in other areas in the coming months.