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Delegation hears proposal to add City of Frederick to noise-abatement monitoring pilot
Summary
Delegates discussed legislation to expand a noise-abatement monitoring system — a speed-camera–style device that measures decibels and captures photos/video for enforcement — to include the City of Frederick; members requested city testimony before acting.
Delegation members discussed a bill to expand a noise-abatement monitoring pilot to the City of Frederick during the Feb. 7 meeting. The proposal would add Frederick to existing pilot programs currently authorized in Montgomery and Prince George's counties.
Delegate Delia Ferrer described the system as similar to a speed camera but designed to detect vehicle noise. "Basically, the way the system works is the machine itself. It acts much like a speed camera monitoring system, except instead of tracking speed, it actually tracks noise decibels," she said. Ferrer said the system captures a photograph or video of a vehicle when measured decibel levels exceed thresholds; the recording would be reviewed by a sworn officer and, if the vehicle is out of compliance with local noise code, a citation would be issued.
Ferrer said residents from downtown Frederick brought the idea to the mayor's office and the chief of police to address late-night noise from vehicles with altered mufflers or engines. "The echoing effect of those those engines is is really quite, alarming, especially at 02:00 in the morning when you have, children trying to sleep, in their bedrooms," Ferrer said.
Some delegates raised implementation and oversight questions. Delegate Boucher asked whether the delegation should invite a city official — the mayor or a council member — to provide testimony about the nature and timing of the noise complaints. Delegate Miller said members had concerns when the authorizing bill passed previously and recommended the city's testimony to clarify how the system would be implemented in Frederick. Delegates agreed to seek additional information from city officials and from proponents before considering formal action.
No vote was taken at the meeting. Delegates asked staff to arrange testimony from city representatives at a future delegation meeting, and to provide details about how the monitoring and citation review would be handled.
