Basingstoke council asks to trial new anti-nuisance cameras

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has asked the Secretary of State for Transport if it can trial the cameras, which are designed to identify and track drivers who break the law by excessively revving their engines and using modified exhausts.

Car meets have been a widely reported problem in Basingstoke, with residents regularly complaining about them taking place in supermarket car parks.

READ MORE: Residents make a stand against homes in east of Basingstoke

The council's bid to be part of the trial is an effort to reduce excessive vehicle noise and antisocial behaviour associated with the meets.

Cabinet member for communities, partnerships and inclusion Cllr John McKay said: “We know this is a big issue for people in the town. Antisocial vehicle use disturbs residents and disrupts the environment and people’s peaceful enjoyment of their homes and public places. As a borough, we are keen to put ourselves forward to trial these new cameras and see the impact they have on this type of antisocial behaviour.

"The cameras will enable the police to take enforcement action where necessary and protect the public from inconsiderate and unsafe road users, which is something we as a new administration know is important to our residents.”

READ ALSO: Cllr Stephen Reid calls for more to be done to stop car meets

The cameras use microphones to identify excessively noisy vehicles as they pass by. They take a photo and record noise levels to create a package of evidence that can be used by the police to identify drivers. This allows appropriate action to be taken, including enforcement where needed.

While the first phase trial has cameras in four areas across the UK, the next phase may see more widespread trials where the impact on residents is the greatest. The locations would be decided by the Department for Transport, but the council is bidding to be one of the trial areas.