Amsterdam has decided to tackle noise pollution, one of the most underestimated problems of modern metropolises, and has decided to do it in an innovative and somewhat dystopian way. Imagine driving along its picturesque streets, with its canals and historic houses, when suddenly a sign warns you: "Te luid" - "Too noisy".
Yes, you read that correctly. The city is testing a system that not only warns of noisy drivers, but is also in the process of rolling out "noise cameras" that, just like those on speed cameras, automatically send fines to offenders. How exactly does it work? What are the consequences for the city's residents and visitors?
Noise pollution: a silent enemy
Noise pollution has long been a problem in big cities. The incessant noise of cars, motorcycles and daily activities can have adverse effects on human health and well-being. The European Union has declared it an enemy to fight in its own last environmental plan.
On Friday, Amsterdam kicked off an experiment involving electronic signs at two strategic points in the city, warning drivers if their vehicle is making too much noise. The novelty lies in the introduction of the "noise cameras" I mentioned earlier. Is the step from the "big eye" to the "big ear" short?
Clearly, if the model proves effective, it could also be adopted in other large cities: Rotterdam is already conducting a similar experiment.
How does it work?
The system is pretty simple. A noise measurement station detects the decibel level produced by passing vehicles. If the level exceeds a certain threshold, a signal a little further on warns the driver with the message "Te luid". The noise camera consists of a box containing four microphones that can detect exactly where a sound is coming from. This box is connected to a speed camera, which takes a photo of the license plate to issue a fine: the expected penalty is 280 euros.
But that's not all: this initiative is part of a wider approach to reduce noise pollution. The spokesman of the Amsterdam City Hall said the main purpose of these signs is to make drivers aware of the noise their vehicles make and to encourage them to do something about it.
Will the certification of this technology mark a step towards less noisy cities? Meanwhile, quoting the old war motto, "Shut up! The enemy listens to you... And fines you!"
