The Cobourg Police Service is committed to the safety and enjoyment of our community by residents and visitors alike.
As part of this commitment, the Cobourg Police Service recognizes that the summer months bring an increase in vehicle traffic to the Downtown and recreation areas. With that increase in traffic, noise complaints can increase as well.
Relevant sections that apply to noise within the Highway Traffic Act set out that “A person having the control or charge of a motor vehicle shall not sound any bell, horn or signaling device so as to make an unreasonable noise, and a driver of any motor vehicle shall not permit any amount of smoke to escape from the motor vehicle, nor shall such driver at any time cause the motor vehicle to make any unnecessary noise
As well, “Every motor vehicle or motor assisted bicycle shall be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and excessive smoke, and no person shall use a muffler cut-out, straight exhaust, gutted muffler, hollywood muffler, by-pass or similar device upon a motor vehicle.”
Vehicles with modified or damaged exhausts have been targeted as part of education and enforcement initiatives in previous years, and this continues in 2018. These exhaust systems may not comply with legislation, such as the Environmental Protection Act, the Highway Traffic Act or local By-Laws related to noise emitting from their motor vehicle or car stereo.
As one of our safety campaigns throughout the year, the Cobourg Police Service conducts a targeted enforcement campaign over the summer months every year, specifically to target circumstances of unnecessary motor vehicle noise in the Downtown and recreation areas.
The Cobourg Police Service welcomes engagement from the community and drivers to make this a successful program. We want to encourage our community members and visitors to contact the Cobourg Police Service when they see vehicles in contravention of this program.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
