Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, has written to Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez to back calls for noise-camera technology in Mount Batten, Turnchapel and Hooe.

Her letter follows a recent discussion at a Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel meeting about using the technology to tackle vehicle-related anti-social behaviour.

Noise cameras use microphones and number-plate recognition technology to detect excessively noisy vehicles, helping the police identify those responsible and gather evidence for enforcement.

The system creates a digital package of evidence that authorities can then use to issue fines or formal warnings such as Section 59 notices that risk vehicle seizure for repeat offenders.

Like standard public surveillance tools, their usage must abide by transparency guidelines such as warning signs and strict data protection and privacy laws regarding recorded audio-visual data.

The technology is currently being trialled in Paignton, with the results expected to help inform whether it could be used more widely.

Miss Smith has been working since the pandemic with residents, local councillors, Devon and Cornwall Police and Plymouth City Council to tackle vehicle noise and anti-social driving in Mount Batten, Turnchapel and Hooe. She has previously surveyed residents, met with the local police and council, and supported further measures to address the problem.

In her letter, Miss Smith asks what support the Commissioner’s office could provide towards bringing noise cameras to the area.

"Residents should feel safe in their own communities and to know that when they report these problems, meaningful action will follow.

Noise cameras are not a silver bullet, but if the evidence shows they are effective, they could strengthen enforcement and add to the other measures already being explored locally.

The results of the Paignton trial should be properly considered and, if they make the case for this technology, I would like to see Mount Batten and Hooe considered next.