It's time to Crack down on noisy vehicles - Michael Janz, City Councillor Ward papastew
No vehicle is sold noisy. Vehicles have mufflers and must be illegally modified, often with illegal aftermarket products to be excessively noisy. As the spring weather warms and the roads are swept, the stunting and speeding complaints are filling up my inbox from across the ward.
This June, City Council has the opportunity to support a dramatic increase in action where half-measures have previously failed. Project TENSOR and previous noise reduction efforts have been insufficient because of the deafening noise along many streets last summer.
Our neighbourhoods know the burden of excessive vehicle noise all too well. Cracking down on noisy vehicles will support the council in traffic safety as there is a strong correlation between excessive noise and speed.
We don't need driver education; we need enforcement. We don't need warnings; we need tickets and impounding.
The maximum allowable fine could be increased up to $10,000. The current 85-decibel limit may be too high and require a reduction to 74 decibels like in Europe. Community members also suggested noise curfews forbidding noisy motorcycles after certain hours or outright motorcycle bans along certain roads (Whyte Avenue, Calgary Trail, Saskatchewan Drive, Groat Road, for instance).
What vehicle modifications are already illegal in Alberta? (Traffic Safety Act and Edmonton Noise Bylaws)
Exhaust regulations
A motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine must have an exhaust muffler that cools and expels the exhaust gases from the engine without excessive noise and without producing flames or sparks.
A person shall not drive or operate a motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine if the exhaust outlet of the muffler has been widened.
A person shall not drive or operate a motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine if a device is attached to the exhaust system or the muffler that increases the noise made by the expulsion of gases from the engine.
Beyond the regulations above, a vehicle with a modified exhaust may also produce noise in violation of municipal bylaws.
I welcome your feedback: michael.janz@edmonton.ca or sign the petition at www.michaeljanz.ca/noise