Noise-Tackling Camera in Paignton: A Step Towards Quieter Streets
A novel approach to combating nuisance driving and anti-social behavior is being trialed in the Devon town of Paignton. The innovative technology, a noise-recording traffic camera, aims to capture not just car number plates but also the decibel levels of roaring exhausts. This cutting-edge system, already in use in Exmouth, is a joint effort by Devon and Cornwall Police and Torbay Council.
For years, residents and hoteliers near Paignton's seafront have endured the early morning roar of cars with adapted exhausts along The Esplanade. The camera, a potential game-changer, is expected to act as a deterrent, offering a glimmer of hope for a quieter, more peaceful area.
The police and council's efforts to address the issue have been ongoing, but the unpredictability of incidents has made monitoring challenging. To combat this, local residents and hoteliers have documented the nuisance behavior on their mobile phones, providing crucial evidence. However, the introduction of these noise-recording cameras offers a new and powerful tool.
Insp. Pete Giesens of the Paignton and Brixham Neighborhood Police highlights the camera's unique capabilities: "These cameras provide us with a new advantage. While we collaborate with the council's CCTV, which has limitations in audio recording, these cameras excel in capturing audio. They enable us to build a comprehensive evidential package."
The community's reaction to the camera's installation has been positive. Colin Hurst, secretary of the Paignton Town Community Partnership, praises the police's efforts: "The police have risen to the challenge, and their work is commendable. As a community, we are now committed to enhancing our engagement with the council and police, addressing not only noise pollution but also issues like shoplifting and drug addiction."
Paignton's status as a designated hotspot for policing in Devon and Cornwall further underscores the seriousness of the problem. The area has received additional high-visibility police foot patrols, funded by the Home Office, and increased community involvement to tackle anti-social behavior. Between April 1 and December 31 last year, there were 207 hours of officer foot patrol in Paignton town center, yielding positive results.
The Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, emphasizes the importance of addressing noise pollution: "Since residents and business owners in Paignton raised this issue, my team has been facilitating dialogue between the council and the police. If successful in Paignton, I envision deploying similar cameras across our two counties."
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to tackling anti-social behavior, which, according to Hernandez, is a top concern for residents. Noisy driving, she notes, can significantly impact people's well-being and livelihoods, making the introduction of these cameras a crucial step towards a quieter, more harmonious Paignton.
