PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(28 August 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the enforcement of regulations prohibiting modification of a motor vehicle exhaust system so as to increase noise; and whether she plans to introduce further measures to prevent the sale, fitting and use of excessively noisy exhaust modifications.

Asked by:
Dr Zubir Ahmed (Labour)

The Department for Transport conducted research in 2019 on approaches to measurement of excessive vehicle noise and its enforcement. Barriers to effective enforcement that were identified included a lack of resource, specialised measurement equipment and guidance on best practice.

The research identified automated roadside noise cameras as a potential technology to address this issue. Trials of prototype technology were subsequently conducted, with results published in March 2024. Overall, the trials demonstrated that noise cameras had the potential to be used for enforcement, but only when accompanied by human review of the recorded evidence, which was likely to lower the cost effectiveness of deploying the technology in many circumstances.

The DVSA’s Market Surveillance Unit undertakes targeted enforcement activities focused on vehicle alterations and the fit and supply of vehicle parts, including silencers, to check for compliance. Successful prosecutions have been brought against companies providing illegal modifications that impact vehicle noise. The police also have powers to deal with noisy vehicles on an ongoing basis.

The Department has no current plans to introduce further measures to prevent the sale, fitting and use of excessively noisy exhaust modifications, but will continue to work with the DVSA to ensure enforcement approaches remain effective for addressing non-compliant products and vehicle alterations.

Answered by:
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