Newport Police Implement Noise Trailers to Enforce Local Ordinance

October 9, 2024 0 By JohnValbyNation

NEWPORT, RI — The Newport Police Department has intensified its efforts to enforce local noise ordinances with the introduction of a mobile noise enforcement trailer, which became operational this past summer.

The trailer is equipped with advanced sound monitoring technology, and police said it is playing a key role in addressing noise complaints on Thames Street. As of October 2024, the department has reviewed 39 potential violations that resulted in 10 warnings and 8 municipal court summonses.

The enforcement data reflects a significant increase in citations compared to previous years. In 2023, without the trailers, only 21 violations were recorded, with the vast majority resulting in warnings. In 2022, no violations were issued.

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“The introduction of the mobile noise trailer has been a game changer for us,” Capt. Michael Naylor said. “It allows us to monitor noise levels effectively and ensure a higher standard of peace and quiet for our residents and visitors alike.”

The trailer, which is positioned on Thames Street both due to resident complaints in the area and an available power source, has already identified numerous violators, according to police. Police said out of the 18 combined warnings and citations issued from the trailers, 16 were for passenger cars, one was for a motorcycle, and one for a pickup truck.

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Violators of the noise ordinance face fines of $250 when noise exceeds 83 decibels.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, Newport police said they will activate a second trailer soon, so that one can operate for a time on battery power, while the other is operating while charging. This will allow for rotation of the mobile noise trailers among several known noises “hot spots” across Newport. Some of the areas where the trailers will be deployed include:

“By utilizing these mobile noise trailers and developing efficient enforcement tools, we are taking an important step in reducing noise pollution and ensuring the quality of life for our residents,” Police Chief Ryan Duffy said.

For more information on the noise ordinance or to report a violation, call the Newport Police Department at (401) 847-1306.

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