West Haven Approves Noise Ordinance Changes

West Haven approves noise ordinance changes

West Haven’s City Council approved a noise ordinance amendment, and the city plans four shoreline devices with $100 first-offense fines for loud vehicles along the coast.

The amendment enables automated noise cameras and handheld sound-level meters to detect excessive vehicle noise and issue fines of up to $100. The city plans to install four noise-detection devices along the shoreline, where cameras are already in place.

The devices are expected to be installed within the next month, Mayor Dorinda Borer said. The equipment will be attached to existing street cameras rather than operate as standalone cameras.

First violations will cost $100 in West Haven

The first offense will carry a $100 fine. Each repeat violation will add another $100, Borer said in an interview with WFSB.

“The fine is enough where it’s going to make a statement, but not crush anybody. It sends a message,” Borer said.

The city has not yet set the decibel threshold or determined what qualifies as excessive traffic noise, CT Insider reported. One device has been installed but is not activated, although its location was not disclosed.

Devices will target loud cars and motorcycles

The policy responds to complaints from residents who say loud vehicles regularly disrupt shoreline neighborhoods. Borer told WFSB that people are welcome to drive along the coastline, but the area is also a residential neighborhood.

Heidi Menoane, who told WFSB she has lived along the shoreline for about 30 years, said loud vehicles have disturbed residents at different times of day and night. She said the noise can be strong enough to make a house vibrate.

Residents also described loud motorcycles, modified mufflers, and vehicle music during a public hearing before the ordinance was approved. Deborah Conlon told CT Insider that the noise can make it difficult to hear television inside her home. Donna Spiegelman wrote to the council about shoreline noise.

Police will review alerts before fines

The devices will detect noise above the permitted decibel level, capture license-plate information, and send the information to police for review before a potential fine, according to CT Insider. Borer told CT Insider that the devices are part of a closed system and that the data will not be shared.

Borer also said the system will not record conversations. WFSB reported that information will remain within the West Haven Police Department.

The technology is intended to give police another way to pursue noise violations that can be difficult to document with traditional enforcement. Borer said the city already uses handheld devices, but those tools do not always capture noise from vehicles traveling on the road.

The city’s next steps are to install the remaining devices, finish studying traffic-noise data, and establish the decibel level used to determine violations. The equipment will be connected to cameras already in place along the shore.

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