SoundVue | Protecting communities with vehicle noise cameras

This evolved into a noise, vibration and dust monitor and is widely used in their consultancy work for environmental monitoring within a wide range of industries.

In 2019 the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) asked if we could develop a noise camera system to detect excess noise from nuisance vehicles which plague the borough. At the same time we decided to trade the instrumentation side of our business separately to our consultancy work and Intelligent Instruments was born.

We modified our existing noise monitor systems, added cameras and new firmware and our first noise camera system was born. This was trialled in RBKC at 2 locations for 3 months in the Autumn of 2020. 165 fines were issued under the Borough’s Public Space Protection Order with no repeat offenders.

Intelligent, vehicle only noise monitoring

The success of the programme led to the procurement of further systems and we now operate 8 noise camera systems in RBKC.

News about our systems spread quickly and we launched a pilot programme in New York City in the Summer of 2021. Feedback from our customers there led to significant changes to the system to include the provision of a microphone array to identify the offending vehicle and ANPR/ LPR cameras to read the vehicle license plates. This led to the launch of our second generation SoundVueTM noise camera system.

As news of our pioneering technology has grown we have demand from all corners of the globe and now operate in multiple cities across four continents.

London, Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea

SoundVue^TM, from Intelligent Instruments, began life at the Royal Borough of Kensington in London where there were particular issues with individuals over-revving and driving with excess noise around residential areas.

“RBKC’s experience of working with Intelligent Instruments has been an absolute pleasure. Their team of skilled professionals are not only knowledgeable in their field but also dedicated to providing the highest level of service and support.

Intelligent Instruments took the time to understand the borough’s unique problems and needs and developed a tailoured solution that exceeded our expectations. I cannot recommend Intelligent Instruments highly enough for any business seeking innovative enforcement options and exceptional customer care.”

New York City

New York City procured its first SoundVue system in Summer 2021.

“Intelligent Instruments has been crucial to the success of the NYC Noise Enforcement Program.

They are constantly improving their equipment and software to meeting NYC’s needs. Their staff are courteous and prompt with any requests. I have recommended them to government agencies throughout the US and Canada.”

Knoxville, Tennessee

A trial of the SoundVue system in 2022 has led to it becoming a permanent feature in Knoxville. Carter Hall from the Department of Policy and Business Administration in the city said:

“The noise camera has allowed us to better understand and respond to excessive vehicle noise that disrupts business and lives in Knoxville. We have been able to use the camera to enhance enforcement of our noise laws while providing data to help officials manage capacity and respond efficiently.”

Great Yarmouth, UK

A SoundVue^TM noise camera system was installed on the seafront at Great Yarmouth in the UK in the Summer of 2024.

“Great Yarmouth Borough Council has long been a hub for car enthusiasts and we have large car meets most weekends especially through the summer months. Whilst we in no way wish to discourage this there have been a few individuals who have seen this as an opportunity for anti-social behaviour. We have found the SoundVue^TM camera an invaluable tool in allowing us to tackle the behaviour of these individuals as the footage provides us with high quality visual and audio evidence which is constantly vigilant when Police and LA Officer presence is not always available. The system is simple to use and navigate around and have found that the quality of the evidence of the behaviours has left little challenge by the offending motorists.”

Miami Beach, Florida

A noise camera pilot program was approved by the Miami Beach City Commission in 2022.

"Our Police Department has worked closely with Intelligent Instruments. We have tested the systems under varying real-world conditions. They have been able to clearly identify vehicles as the source of excessive noise, identify noise trends and develop general enforcement hot spots. Our goal is to improve quality of life for residents and visitors by reducing vehicle noise pollution."

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