Noise in our streets, in particular excessive noise from illegally modified vehicles, is a problem that can be redressed. Noise is measured in decibels (dB), with a normal conversation being about 60dB and exposure above 70dB causing potential hearing loss.

Sign this petition to show Plymouth’s authorities that excessive noise needs to stop.

The law:
68dB is the limit for cars built since July 2026.
72dB for cars built prior to July 2026.
89dB is the general limit for motorbikes – though engine size and wear and tear is taken into consideration.

The MOT:
Major fail under section 8.1.1. (a) [if the] Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted

The background:
The enjoyment of watching TV, listening to podcasts or music is disrupted; teaching is paused as the speaker waits for the excessive drone to diminish before continuing; business-related tasks are hampered as concentration diminishes; the enjoyment of reading is hindered; telephone conversations are hampered and family times are disrupted due to these illegally modified vehicles.

At night, I am often abruptly woken by the shattering roar of vehicles on the streets nearby – sometimes at midnight, at 2am or at 4am. The drivers of these loud vehicles show little consideration for the residents whose lives are affected by the cacophony caused by their actions. It’s not just an annoyance; it’s a genuinely disruptive force in our community.

This incessant noise pollution doesn't only affect people; it also has a dreadful impact on our local wildlife and pets. Our dog needs consoling due to stress and anxiety after a startling encounter with an excessively loud vehicle. The noise sometimes resembles that of fireworks – the only difference is fireworks are limited to once or twice a year!

This is an issue that can be resolved, though. The local authorities in Plymouth already have the power to enforce existing noise regulations more stringently and to initiate new measures to combat this problem. Steps such as noise awareness campaigns, stricter penalties for offenders, focused policing and enforcement all could contribute significantly to reducing the noise on our streets and disturbance for all.

Noise pollution is a growing concern that diminishes our quality of life, yet it is one that we can control with the right actions. By adopting a unified stance against the use of illegally modified and excessively loud vehicles, we can restore the peace and quiet Plymouth residents deserve. Let’s come together to make Plymouth a better place to live for everyone. Make contact with the Police using their online form https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-us/antisocial-behaviour/

Sign this petition to demand action from Plymouth's local authorities and Police to address this longstanding issue for a brighter, quieter future for all residents.

Essex Police are taking action; it’s time Devon & Cornwall Police did too: https://www.essex.police.uk/foi-ai/essex-police/our-policies-and-procedures/h/h0504-procedure-loud-exhaust-offences/