Toronto could look at noise cameras to crack down on cars making excessive noise | CBC News

Toronto is considering a motion to study deploying noise cameras to address drivers who create excessive street noise. The motion calls for staff to review noise camera use in other jurisdictions and identify effective technology. The goal is to establish a noise camera pilot project. Provincial permission is required because only the province can issue fines using vehicle information such as licence plate numbers. Toronto staff previously reported enforcement challenges for bylaw officers when the source is a moving vehicle. Staff have asked the province to enable a city-run pilot, but no response has been received. The motion is supported by a letter with 264 signatures and cites increased complaints about revving engines and modified mufflers that disrupt residents’ quality of life.

"Coun. Lily Cheng is introducing a motion at this week's council meeting that calls on staff to look into bringing noise cameras to the streets of the city to catch drivers making excessive noise. She wants city staff to look into noise camera use in other jurisdictions to find out what technology works best. Accompanying her motion is a letter of support with 264 signatures."

"Ultimately, she would like to see a noise camera pilot project set up. She wants staff to ask the province to make whatever regulatory changes are necessary to allow the city to run the project. That permission is needed because only the province has the power to issue fines based on vehicle information, such as licence plate numbers."

"In 2024, a city staff report highlighted some of the challenges bylaw officers faced enforcing noise bylaws when the culprit is in a moving vehicle. Staff asked the province to clear the way for a city-run noise camera pilot project. Staff told CBC Toronto Wednesday they have not yet received a reply."

"Cheng says she's seen an increase in complaints about drivers who needlessly rev their engines, or modify their vehicles in such a way that they become much louder. "People are racing in the streets, they have their modified mufflers," she said. "They're waking up seniors, waking up children. It really affects people's quality of life.""

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