New York City is planning to install several “noise cameras” in Manhattan in an effort to enforce anti-noise ordinances. The cameras will be mounted along city streets and will be activated by noise levels that exceed 85 decibels. The cameras contain multiple speakers placed at different distances which use a computer algorithm to determine the location of the noise source. Once located, the camera will take a picture of the offender’s license plate and a citation will be issued to the driver. A first offence carries a penalty of $220 and repeat offenders can see their fines rise to up to $2,625.
The aim of these cameras is to reduce the costs associated with excessive noise in the street. Not only can noise be extremely distracting, resulting in a lack of productivity, but it can also lead to hearing loss. Additionally, medical research has found that excessive noise is associated with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. While excessive noise comes from a number of sources, particularly in urban areas, the new noise cameras are an effort to expand New York’s decades-long battle against street noise. If successful, many other cities will undoubtedly follow New York’s lead.
Discussion Questions:
- In addition to fines, what other methods can be used to reduce negative externalities?
- Why might it be difficult for street noise to be reduced through a Coasian bargaining agreement?
Discussion Question for Environmental Economics [Env Econ Chapter 11]:
- How does the regulation for controlling noise pollution change the efficient level of noise emissions on a marginal damage/marginal abatement efficiency graph? How does e* change?
Sources| The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/04/new-york-noise-cameras?s=03; Unsplash: Photo by Jason Lee on Unsplash