Candidates urge stepped-up enforcement, speed bumps and possible automated tools to curb loud vehicle noise

Residents’ complaints about deliberate vehicle noise — modified mufflers, loud stereos and motorcycles revving — drew sustained attention at the forum. Erin Jaroski argued for automated enforcement as one potential tool, saying it could make noise enforcement “more effective, and make it more widespread,” while acknowledging legal and constitutional hurdles and that the state currently limits automated traffic enforcement.

Cindy Jerslow and Walt Morel emphasized traditional traffic-calming measures and targeted patrols: Jerslow cited recent raised crosswalks and planned speed bumps on Ford Avenue and Harbor Street as measures that have reduced speed and noise, and said she has raised the issue with Police Chief Miller. Morel recommended more uniformed officers and bike patrols for neighborhoods where sound carries off brick buildings.

Andrew Smith, John Newhall and William LeGault also emphasized enforcement capacity. Smith noted modified mufflers are illegal in Massachusetts and called for traffic stops where violations occur; Newhall said he was “skeptical of automation” because of privacy and constitutional concerns. LeGault called for checkpoints similar to drunk-driving enforcement to catch and ticket noisy vehicles. Candidates agreed that enforcement resources and staffing constraints limit current responsiveness; some suggested state-level changes would be necessary for automated approaches.