‘New-age’ road cameras are being deployed in the UK as part of a trial to clamp down on antisocial driving.

The cameras can identify and track drivers who break the law by revving engines and using modified exhausts

The cameras, which can identify and track drivers breaking the law by revving engines and using modified exhausts, will initially go live in Bradford before travelling to South Gloucestershire, Great Yarmouth and Birmingham.

The Department for Transport confirmed the four locations would host the new ‘noise cameras’ following a government-backed competition to tackle noise pollution on some of the loudest streets in Britain. If successful, they could be rolled out nationwide.

The new technology uses a video camera in conjunction with a number of microphones to accurately pinpoint excessively noisy vehicles as they pass by. This means that if drivers break the law by revving their engines unnecessarily or using illegal exhausts, they will be automatically detected. The camera takes a picture of the vehicle and records the noise level, creating a “digital package of evidence” which can be used by local police to fine drivers.

Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “Rowdy road drivers beware – these new cameras will help the police clampdown on those who break the legal noise limits or use illegal modified exhausts to make excessive noise in our communities.

“We’ll be working closely with the local authorities and police to share any findings, and I hope that this technology paves the way for quieter, peaceful streets across the country.”

The trials are being backed by a £300k government investment as new research estimates that the annual social cost of urban road noise, including lost productivity from sleep disturbance and health costs, could be up to £10bn.

However, road noise is also known to contribute to health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes and dementia.

Noise Abatement Society chief executive Gloria Elliott said: “Excessively noisy vehicles and anti-social driving causes disturbance, stress, anxiety and pain to many. It is unsafe and disrupts the environment and people’s peaceful enjoyment of their homes and public places.

“Communities across the UK are increasingly suffering from this entirely avoidable blight. The Noise Abatement Society applauds rigorous, effective, evidence-based solutions to address this issue and protect the public.”