New gadget to thwart Paignton seafront car pests

Anti-social driving has been blighting the area for some time'

A new high-tech ‘noise camera’ on Paignton seafront will help curb car pests whose antics have been causing misery for local residents.

Businesses, hotels and households around Paignton Green have been plagued by boy and girl racers driving noisy laps of the Green at night as well as beeping horns, revving engines and accelerating aggressively.

Now police say their new camera will cut down on the nuisance.

And the leader of Torbay Council also thinks it will make a difference.

Cllr David Thomas (Con, Preston) said: “Anti-social driving has been blighting the residents and businesses around the seafront for some time so I’m pleased to report we’ve been able to work with our partners to get this camera up and running and respond to the community’s concerns.

“It will be a useful deterrent and sit alongside our existing CCTV cameras in the area, which continue to gather evidence around anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.”

Devon and Cornwall Police has worked with the council, Paignton Community Partnership and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner on the project.

Signs warning drivers about the noise monitoring technology are going up, and there are already CCTV cameras in the area.

Drivers caught exceeding noise limits will receive warning letters, with repeat offenders facing warnings that could ultimately result in their vehicles being seized.

Paignton and Brixham Neighbourhood Inspector Pete Giesens explained: “We understand that nuisance drivers can have a negative community impact and this issue is a priority for me and my team.

“The pioneering acoustic technology monitors noise levels and takes a firm, but fair approach.

“Our aim is to deter anti-social drivers and we have been working with local residents whose lives have been affected by the noise and disruption. We are committed to helping to make the area safer for all road users.”

Paignton is one of the police’s designated hotspot areas in Devon and Cornwall with a focus on anti-social behaviour. This means the area has benefited from extra high-visibility police foot patrols in the town, thanks to Home Office funding.