The acoustic camera trial will test whether the cameras can accurately and reliably detect noisy vehicles. It will also assess whether they can support our existing vehicle noise compliance program.
The Victorian Government has provided $1.3 million for the trial. This funding covers:
- the purchase and installation of the cameras
- a dedicated trial manager
- delivery of the trial.
Why we’re conducting the trial
Excessively noisy vehicles can affect people’s health and wellbeing. They can also disrupt people’s enjoyment of their homes and neighbourhoods.
We currently rely on reports from authorised officers. This includes our officers and Victoria Police.
The trial will assess whether acoustic cameras can give us another way to identify potentially non-compliant vehicles. It will also test whether the cameras can support our current compliance and enforcement work.
We’ll use the trial to assess:
- how accurately the cameras identify noisy vehicles
- whether the information collected is reliable
- how the cameras perform on Victorian roads
- how effectively we can review and assess the information
- whether the cameras can support our current processes
- whether the technology is suitable for future use in Victoria.
Other states, including New South Wales, are also exploring acoustic camera technology. However, we need to understand how it performs in Victorian conditions and under Victoria’s laws.
How an acoustic camera works
An acoustic camera combines microphones, imaging technology and specialised software. It uses these tools to identify and measure vehicle noise.
When the system detects excessive vehicle noise, it can:
- measure the noise level
- identify the source of the noise
- capture audio and visual information
- create an evidence package for our officers to assess.
The system securely sends the information to us for review.
The trial only covers vehicle noise. We will not use the cameras to investigate other types of noise.
How we’ll use the cameras
When a camera detects a vehicle that may be too noisy, our officers will review the information.
They'll then decide whether further action is needed. The cameras will not automatically issue fines.
Where appropriate, we may issue a Vehicle Testing Notice. This requires the vehicle owner to have their vehicle tested by a licensed tester.
The testing process allows the owner to show that their vehicle meets the legal noise limits.
For more information about the testing process, visit Smoky or noisy vehicle testing.
How we’ll protect privacy
Acoustic cameras are designed to detect vehicle noise events on the road.
Vehicle noise triggers the system. The cameras focus on identifying and assessing vehicles that may be too noisy.
They're not designed to record conversations or monitor people in public places.
If a person appears in an image linked to a vehicle noise event, the system will automatically blur their face.
We’ll manage the information collected during the trial in line with privacy and information management requirements.
Where we’re conducting the trial
We’ll trial 7 acoustic cameras over 2 years. The trial will take place in 2 phases.
Phase 1: 2026
We’ll install 4 cameras by the end of 2026 in:
- City of Port Phillip
- City of Casey
- City of Knox
- City of Stonnington.
We’ll work with each council to select the street locations.
We’ll consider:
- vehicle noise hotspot data
- whether each site is suitable
- what is needed to operate the cameras.
Phase 2: 2027
We’ll install another 3 cameras in the first half of 2027.
We’ll provide more information about the locations when they are confirmed.
We used Victoria Police reports of noisy vehicle activity to identify possible locations.
We grouped known vehicle noise hotspots by council area. We then worked with Victoria Police to refine the locations.
We selected areas where vehicle noise is an ongoing community concern. These areas will give us a good opportunity to assess the technology.
We know that communities across Victoria experience hooning and noisy vehicle activity. This includes regional communities.
The first phase focuses on metropolitan areas. Available data shows that these areas have high levels of noisy vehicle activity and known hotspots.
We’ll use what we learn from the trial to help decide how and where acoustic cameras could be used in the future.
How we’ll assess the trial
The trial will assess whether the technology is reliable and suitable for use in Victoria. It does not have a set target for fines or enforcement action.
We’ll assess:
- how accurately the cameras identify noisy vehicles
- whether they work reliably in Victorian conditions
- how effectively we can review and assess the information
- whether they can support our current approach to vehicle noise.
What happens after the trial
We’ll use the trial results to decide whether acoustic cameras should be used in Victoria in the future.
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