OFF THE WIRE
http://www.calgaryherald.com/Calgary+cracks+down+noisy+cars+motorcycles/4804576/story.html
Calgary cracks down on noisy cars, motorcycles
By Jason Markusoff
The City of Calgary is looking at using an Edmonton-made device, called the Noise Snare, to gather data to prosecute people with loud machinery, such as unmuffled motorcycles and cars.
CALGARY — Drivers, hush your engines.
The city will set new noise limits for hot rods and motorbikes, and test a new photo-radar-style device to nab loud motorists.
A council committee voted to clearly prohibit vehicle noise above 96 decibels — about four times beyond normal car engines.
Noise problems are Calgary’s No. 3 bylaw complaint, but it’s nearly impossible to punish violating drivers.
Bylaw officers were instructed to hit the streets to try out a new, Edmonton-made device (dubbed the Noise Snare) that records video and sound levels of passing vehicles.
At a hearing before the committee’s decision, two Beltline residents pleaded to stop the “noise abuse” of bikers and drivers who often blare their engines along 17th Avenue S.W. and other streets.
But motorcyclists argued their loud pipes help them stay safe, by alerting cars and pedestrians.
If council enacts the rule changes in June, the city will give out warnings through the summer, but must test the Noise Snare through September before giving fines, bylaw director Bill Bruce said.
The device costs $112,500, but Calgary is getting one for free as the Edmonton inventor’s first client.
Bruce expects one will be enough for the city.
