Small Iowa Town Tests Out 'Noise Cameras' to Cite Loud Vehicles

A small town in Iowa, with fewer than 2,000 residents, is moving forward with implementing "noise cameras" as a way to reduce excessive engine brake noise along a busy highway. This comes following the success of a spring pilot project that also garnered the attention of Des Moines, which is an hour west from the area.

The City of Avoca is set for full implementation of its "Noise Camera Program," which, per the city's website, is geared to "improve quality of life for residents" as well as ensure "fair and effective enforcement of Avoca's existing engine brake ordinance."

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What are Noise Cameras?:

In a press release explaining the full implementation of the program, Avoca Mayor Tom Bruck cited "Jake brakes" — the colloquial name for compression release brakes common on diesel engines, which causes a vehicle's exhaust valves to open upon braking — as a recurring problem in the community. That is the impetus of the noise cameras.

The Noise Cameras themselves are constructed with technology from Intelligent Instruments with calibrated microphones and high-resolution cameras that can detect when noise exceeds the city limits. It captures audio and video of the vehicle. That footage is then sent to staff members who review the footage for violations, which, if found, are then mailed to the vehicle's owner. From there, the cited party can choose to pay the fine or appeal it.

The Success of the Spring Pilot Program:

Avoca trialed a single camera for a month. The camera documented 183 violations committed by 83 different vehicles. 44% of these violations were attributable to repeat offenders, and one-third of the cases were linked to merely five people, per the City of Avoca's release:

Quality of life for our residents is the city’s top priority. Our pilot demonstrated that targeting repeat violators can make a big difference. With this technology, we can more effectively address the few drivers responsible for most of the disruption, improving daily life for the entire community - Avoca City Administrator Tyler Trout, per the City of Avoca's press release

What Drivers Can Expect:

The City of Avoca has outlined some new parameters for commuters in lieu of the full-time implementation of these noise cameras:

Full enforcement operations will begin in October once backend onboarding is complete.
The program enforces only Avoca’s existing engine brake ordinance; it does not expand enforcement beyond that law.
Motorists will see “Photo Enforced” signage posted along Highway 59 to notify drivers of automated enforcement tools now in place.
Enforcement specifically targets semi-trucks and other vehicles using engine compression (“Jake”) brakes.
Citations will include clear instructions for drivers to either pay the fine or appeal by the listed deadline.

Read more about the City of Avoca implementing noise cameras on the city's official website.