Vehicle noise snare

May 27th, 2012 - Daniel Barron

The city of Calgary held a free public demonstration on May 26 to let drivers see just how loud their vehicles are.

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The city of Calgary is set to begin its “Noise Snare” campaign on May 31, and over half the vehicles in a recent volunteer demonstration would reached or gone over the new 96 decibel limit for vehicles.

The excessive vehicle noise provision was added to the Calgary Traffic Bylaw in 2011 in order to keep excessive vehicle noise in check. The Noise Snare works by recording audio and video of vehicles as they pass by, similar to a speed radar. A noise meter gives out a reading of the volume level of sound coming from a vehicle, and drivers who reach or go over 96 decibels could be fined $200.

The city of Calgary held a free public demonstration on May 26 to let drivers see just how loud their vehicles are, and of the more than 200 that showed up, more than half would have gone over the limit according to the Calgary Herald.

The publication said the loudest sound came from a motorcycle that reached 122 decibels. Ninety six decibels is equivalent to the sound of a power saw from one metre away.

A second open house will take place on May 30. Calgary police say the first month will focus on public education, with bylaw officers issuing warnings.