In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of noise plaguing New York City, the City Council has passed a bill introducing "noise cameras" designed to crack down on loud vehicles. 

“A very NYC problem, tackling noise,” said Council Member Keith Powers, one of the bills sponsors. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen noise complaints skyrocket in the city, enforcement is very very difficult and we’ve seen in my district, and other districts, people complaining about these noisy vehicles that are racing up and down their streets with no consideration toward their neighbor."

The bill proposes a noise camera program to identify vehicles exceeding the city's noise limit of 85 decibels. Violators will face penalties. 

“Fines are going to start at a few hundred dollars and they go up to a few thousand dollars if you're a repeat violator," said Powers. "You’re going to be subject to a hearing and the normal process."

The initiative follows a successful pilot program running for the past few years, testing camera locations and functionality. The Department of Environmental Protection will install no fewer than five noise cameras in each borough, with an estimated cost of $35,000 per camera. 

“We’re not talking about your ordinary person with an ordinary car," said Powers. "We’re talking about a modified or noisy vehicle who is racing through the streets of NYC, we’re going to have a way to enforce against that.” 

The bill sailed through the City Council with overwhelming support, passing 41-1. News 12 reached out to Brooklyn Council Member Alexa Aviles, the sole dissenting vote. Her office said she will not comment on her decision at this time.

Powers asserts that the bill addresses a problem exacerbated since the pandemic. 

“Especially as their working from home, that noise has become a significant factor in their life, to their sleep or their work, so we’re trying to give people a little bit of peace, ” said Powers. 

The new legislation is set to take effect early next year.