| | | | | | | | | TO: | Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee Members |
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| FROM:
| Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
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| | DATE: | November 30, 2022
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| | SUBJECT: | DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CITY’S ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS RELATING TO NOISE EMANATING FROM VEHICLES, INCLUDING VEHICLE EXHAUSTS. |
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| | | | | | | | HISTORY:
| Commissioner Meiner placed an item for referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) on the September 14, 2022, City Commission Meeting agenda to discuss the City's overall enforcement efforts relating to noise emanating from vehicles, including vehicle exhausts. As part of this discussion item, Commissioner Meiner requested for the Administration to be prepared to advise on the total number of tickets issued for vehicle-related noise violations and how the City could increase its enforcement efforts to better address this important quality of life issue, particularly in residential areas experiencing the greatest amount of noise from vehicles.
In addition, Commissioner Meiner requested an update on the implementation of the noise detection device pilot program, which utilizes camera technology to gather and address noise emanating from vehicles |
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| | | | | | | | ANALYSIS
| The police department continues its ongoing efforts to address the community's quality of life concerns. On July 1, 2022, a Florida law was enacted prohibiting amplified sound at a distance greater than 25 feet from a motor vehicle. Between July 1, 2022, and November 8, 2022, the police department issued 111 traffic citations for this violation.
In addition, the police department proactively issues citations for several other noise-related violations. Below is a breakdown of these efforts since January 1, 2022:
· Exhaust systems, prevention of noise (FSS 316.272): 28 citations issued
· Motor vehicle noise (FSS 316.293): 35 citations issued
· Horns and warning devices (FSS 316.271): 9 citations issued
In summary, the police department has issued 183 noise-related traffic citations to drivers within our community. Additionally, in September, the MBPD commenced the Noise Enforcement & Abatement Team (NEAT), focusing on aggressive driving, stop sign violations, speed enforcement, loud music, and modified exhaust systems. The combination of noise and traffic-related enforcement will undoubtedly positively affect our community.
The Department has also moved forward, initiating a pilot program that involves the deployment of three loud noise detection cameras. These cameras and their associated software platform attempt to identify and capture images of vehicles that trigger a data recording process from the noise emanating from that vehicle. The data platform, and the trigger mechanism, is based on a pre-determined sound threshold. The system is intended to identify trends, including locations and times of the day, where the data-driven deployment of resources can be utilized to conduct targeted enforcement. These cameras were sourced from the United Kingdom and recently arrived at the police department. The police department plans to have the cameras configured for deployment within 90 days.
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| | | | | | | | CONCLUSION:
The police department will continue to address all traffic-related infractions to keep our roadways safe while also addressing quality of life concerns.
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| | | | | | | | | Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-14? | | Does this item utilize G.O. Bond Funds? | | | No | | No | |
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| | | | | | | | Strategic Connection
| | Neighborhoods - Prevent and solve crime for residents and visitors. |
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