Response from NWLDC About Noise Monitoring

The vast majority of large or big bore exhausts are illegal for use on public roads. The fact they may have passed an MOT test is irrelevant as this only checks for exhaust gasses and emission legislation compliance. Big bore and sports exhaust systems are usually fitted to increase the sound emitted and this contravenes the Type Approval of the vehicle, which is an offence. There is no requirement for police to measure the sound level from the exhaust system, it only requires an opinion that the system is not standard and that it is noisier than a normal vehicle of the same specification. It is not an offence to sell these exhausts systems, but it is an offence to fit one to your vehicle and drive it on a public road. Motorists who do so would be reported to court and may face a fine and court costs. As the police do not need to know the sound level from the exhaust, the positioning of sound monitoring equipment will not be done by NWLDC as requested by the Parish Council. The most important thing is for reports to be submitted detailing the date, time of the issues and how it was impacting you.