Port Moody could soon be testing cameras that enforce noise limits for cars, trucks and motorcycles.
On Tuesday, Jan. 14, council approved a motion championed by Couns. Samantha Agtarap and Diana Dilworth suggesting Port Moody can get ahead of any provincial initiative to test such cameras, that function much like red-light cameras at intersections but, instead, nab vehicles emitting excessive noise.
The city successfully advocated for a resolution requesting the implementation of such a pilot program across the province at last fall’s Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention.
But Agtarap said getting the province to actually start a test could take years.
Currently, the Motor Vehicle Act sets the maximum allowable decibel levels from cars, trucks and motorcycles at 83 dBA for cars and light-duty trucks, 88 dBA for gas-powered heavy-duty vehicles, 91 dBA for motorcycles and 93 dBA for diesel-powered heavy-duty vehicles.
Agtarap said those levels are often exceeded.
“Everyone has a right to quiet,” she told council, adding enforcement of the noise regulations can be challenging and “is not the most effective use of police time.”
Agtarap said noise cameras have been used successfully in cities like New York and Paris and have had limited tests in Calgary and Edmonton.
She said some camera manufacturers have reached out offering free use of their systems during the test.
“It’s worth investigating to make the community quieter for everyone,” Agtarap added.
Port Moody staff will report back to council with a possible project plan for the pilot program to test the noise cameras in the city.
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