Latest news with #trafficfines
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
The new roadside tech busting drivers of roaring cars and serving them $250 noise violations
Drivers with roaring engines are being hit with $250 tickets in Newport, Rhode Island thanks to new 'noise cameras' that detect vehicles exceeding the city's decibel limit and automatically flag them for fines. The technology, which is set to be expanded to numerous states across the US, is targeting cars and motorcycles that exceed noise laws with revving engines, blaring stereos, or modified muffler exhausts. In late July, one such camera clocked a crimson Mustang GT at 85 decibels - two over the legal limit - and instantly issued a violation. 'Folks have reached their boiling point,' said Newport City Councilor David Carlin III, describing the frustration that drove the city to deploy the devices after years of complaints about roaring engines that rattle windows and ruin summer evenings. The city's high-tech solution to the problem is two new Dutch-made Sorama noise cameras, which are mounted on portable trailers and fitted with 64 microphones that pinpoint the exact source of a sound. Linked to license plate reader technology, the system can identify a single offending vehicle in a crowded street. Police Chief Ryan Duffy said handheld noise meters used in the past were ineffective because offenders were 'mobile' and often gone before officers could act. 'It's much more difficult when that party is mobile,' Duffy said. Newport's first deployment was along Thames Street, a narrow one-way road lined with clapboard buildings that amplify sound. On one recent evening, a pack of motorcycles and a Jeep with its stereo blasting pierced the calm night - exactly the kind of disruption Duffy says the cameras are designed to stop. Local Realtor Caroline Richards, 54, says the change is long overdue. 'We should be hearing crickets and nice summer sounds,' she said to the Wall Street Journal. 'I'm not for over-policing what people want to drive or do. But it's just obnoxious. It just feels like it's definitely gotten worse.' Spreading far beyond Rhode Island, noise cameras are the newest wave in automated law enforcement and are already common across Europe. They are now being rolled out across the US, including in Knoxville, Tennessee which will launch a new program later this year to hand out $50 fines to noisy motorists. Albuquerque, New Mexico is also testing three cameras to combat drag racing, while Philadelphia has passed legislation to allow their use. Hawaii is also planning 10 noise detectors across Oahu, while even the small town of Avoca, Iowa, is preparing to fine overly loud trucks. New York City leads the way with 10 cameras run in partnership with U.K.-based Intelligent Instruments. Since 2021, the city has issued more than 2,500 tickets with fines starting at $800 and escalating to $2,500 for repeat offenders. But actually getting people to pay the fines is another issue altogether. So far roughly $550,000 out of $2 million in fines has been collected. 'The noise code is city law,' said Rohit 'Rit' Aggarwala, the city's environmental protection commissioner. 'People have to figure out how to avoid violating.' Opponents say the cameras unfairly target drivers of factory-made performance cars. Harley rider James Alves, 56, received a warning despite never modifying his bike. 'If I see a couple walking a dog on the sidewalk, I pull my clutch in,' he said to WSJ. 'It's just another way to grab money.' Dentist Pat Morganti, 63, was fined when his Corvette Z06 registered 84.3 decibels on his way to see a patient. 'It's got a pretty obnoxious engine, but that's the way the car is made,' he said. New York insurance broker Anthony Aquilino was cited after his $315,000 Lamborghini Huracán hit 92 decibels. He says he was driving 25 mph to a prostate cancer awareness event and the noise came when he braked for a pothole. 'It's either don't drive the car in Manhattan, sell the car, or just keep getting noise-pollution tickets,' he said after losing his appeal. 'I can't change the way the car sounds.' Navy sailor Jonathon Zitt, 38, who imported his dream car, a 1994 Nissan Skyline GT-R from Japan, says his $250 ticket makes him think twice about retiring in Newport. 'That's not an option if I can't drive my car,' he said. 'I worked my whole life to buy this.' Some residents say they've already noticed an improvement, while police are considering whether to add warning signs of the cameras. Duffy says past noise warning signs backfired, prompting some motorcyclists to deliberately rev their engines in defiance - a kind of 'an acoustic middle finger,' as one resident described it. Newport has issued only a few dozen tickets so far, but the numbers are expected to rise fast. 'I think when you have success with enforcement, you'll be able to change the behavior,' Duffy said. For retirees like Bill Hogan, 73, who has lived in Newport for decades, the crackdown can't come fast enough
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Millions of Aussies are hooked on this lazy habit - but it's creating chaos in our cities
Nearly 300 fines have been issued to food delivery riders in Melbourne as part of a major police crackdown targeting dangerous riding behaviour across the city - sparking debate about whether e-bikes should be registered. Victoria Police's Operation Pathfinder, which began in early June, has issued 289 fines to riders using e-bikes, e-scooters, bicycles, motorcycles, and motor scooters. Police say the operation was launched in response to a surge in complaints and reports of dangerous behaviour by delivery riders, particularly during peak periods in the CBD. On Tuesday night this week, police issued 37 fines in just a few hours, with officers patrolling areas such as Bourke Street, Little Bourke Street, and Flinders Street. The most common offences detected throughout the operation included riding on the footpath (fine of $198), driving on the wrong side of a divided road ($395), using a mobile phone while riding ($593), and failing to obey traffic lights ($494). Delivery apps like Uber Eats, Menulog, and Deliveroo have exploded in popularity, with freelance riders now frequently seen gathering outside restaurants waiting for orders. The industry Down Under is booming, fuelled by Australians willing to pay a fee of up to $8 for the convenience of having their meals brought to their doors. But while it's convenient for Aussies to order in, their growing Uber Eats habit is starting to have some serious consequences. Many are becoming increasingly frustrated by the growing number of delivery riders and the risks they pose in crowded urban areas. In total, there have been 284 collisions in Melbourne alone this year, with collision rates increasing. 'The amount of times I've nearly been run over by speeding delivery riders is an absolute joke,' wrote one. 'I even witnessed one barrel over a woman and pram while getting off a tram, then fled the scene.' 'I see delivery riders disobeying road rules every day. It's like the laws don't apply to them,' another said. 'Going through red lights. Riding on footpaths, using their phones while riding and getting away with it.' 'They're risking their lives to deliver takeaway food,' a third said. 'Usually I feel bad for Uber Eats drivers since they're probably struggling, but they drive like maniacs! Full scary on footpaths when they're blasting past you to earn that $5 delivery fee,' a fourth added. The riders' recklessness has sparked calls for the mandatory registration of e-bikes, with critics arguing it would make it easier to hold reckless riders accountable. Unlike cars and motorcycles, e-bikes can be operated on public roads without a licence, registration, or number plates, a loophole that many believe is being exploited by some delivery workers who disregard road rules. 'Perhaps a strict registration system to help identify and track the worst offenders is needed,' one said. 'If people want to use these e-bikes for delivery, there should be a training course, and the bikes should be registered. If I drive my car to make delivery, my car needs to be registered.' Many of the riders are in Australia on student visas and work for food delivery companies to support themselves while studying. Some argued they often don't understand Australia's road laws or safety rules and should be required to take a test before riding for Uber. However, others argued that police were targeting the wrong issue and should focus on serious crime instead. 'Pathetic policing… Targeting people barely making minimum wage. Doesn't pass the pub test.'
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai scam alert: Experts warn against social media 'discounts' on fines, service fees
After a recent scam involving fake discounts on traffic fines was uncovered in Dubai, experts are warning residents to be cautious of unofficial offers related to government services, especially those circulating through social media and messaging apps. 'It may look like a shortcut, but it's a trap,' said Leila Mansoor, a digital risk advisor. She was referring to a growing trend where UAE residents are falling for social media offers promising to slash traffic fines, visa costs or service fees, only to realise later that they've unknowingly been part of a scam. In the incident, individuals promoted what appeared to be limited-time discounts of up to 70 per cent on traffic fines. The suspects lured victims by claiming they could reduce fines through unofficial channels. Their tactics involved using stolen credit cards to pay off victims' fines in full. Once the payment reflected as cleared in the system, the scammers would demand half the fine amount in cash as their fee, presented to the victims as a 'discount'. According to Mansoor, scammers are capitalising on a lack of awareness around how official civic payments are handled. 'People are under pressure, financially and otherwise, so when someone says they can settle a fine for 30 or 70 per cent less, they listen. But what they don't see is the method behind it, which often involves stolen data or unauthorised access.' Omar Qaddour, a UAE-based cybersecurity analyst, said the tactic is part of a wider trend. 'We've seen an increase in scams using official-looking logos, urgent messaging and private channels like WhatsApp or Instagram,' he said, in which scams relies heavily on the appearance of legitimacy. 'It's a form of social engineering, using trust and urgency to manipulate behaviour.' He added that scammers often claim to have a 'contact inside' who can expedite services, which makes the offer sound more credible. 'It preys on the belief that there's always a workaround. But no legitimate service will be handled that way." The rise of these scams is not limited to traffic fines. Experts say similar tactics are being used for visa renewals, utility bill payments, Emirates ID services, and other civic processes. In many cases, residents are contacted through WhatsApp, Telegram, or Instagram accounts offering to 'help' navigate red tape or clear penalties, often for a fee and without receipts. Sahar Al Shamsi, a cybersecurity consultant who monitors online scam trends, said people often overlook small red flags. 'Spelling errors, vague company names, no receipts, and pressure to pay immediately, these are all signs. But the biggest one is the channel. If someone is offering a government service on Telegram or through a personal account, that's your cue to stop.' She recommended that residents rely only on official portals like UAE PASS, ministry apps, or verified websites for any payments or updates. 'If someone says they'll handle it for you for cash or through a backdoor, report it. Even if it worked for someone else, it's not a system you want to trust.' She also emphasised that part of the problem is the lack of public awareness around how official transactions are actually handled. 'There's a belief that as long as the service gets done, it doesn't matter who facilitates it. But that's a risky mindset. If a fine is paid using stolen card data, it may be reversed later. That leaves the resident exposed, and possibly liable.'
Independent Singapore
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Independent Singapore
RM445,800 in fines: What Singapore drivers need to know about Malaysia's VEP crackdown
MALAYSIA: If you're one of the thousands of Singaporeans who drive regularly into Johor Bahru, it may be time to check your Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) status. Malaysian authorities are cracking down hard, and the numbers speak for themselves. According to Channel News Asia (CNA) , 1,489 Singapore drivers were issued fines between July 1 and Aug 2, amounting to a staggering RM445,800 (S$135,700) in penalties. That's roughly 10% of the 14,379 drivers checked in that short period. The enforcement follows the full implementation of Malaysia's VEP scheme, which had previously been in a 'soft enforcement' phase. As of now, the grace period is over, and JPJ officers are issuing RM300 fines on the spot for non-compliance. What exactly is VEP? Why does it matter? The VEP is an RFID-based system created and used by Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ) to help monitor foreign vehicles entering via land borders, usually from Singapore. It helps track outstanding fines, traffic offences, and ensures that vehicles comply with local laws. As of July 31, over 277,000 VEP tags had been issued, up from around 248,500 in late June, according to CNA. While installation of the tag is mandatory, it's not the end of the process because activation is also required. Many Singapore drivers fined in the recent operation reportedly had the tags installed but failed to activate them. See also Malaysian news site editor questioned for sedition 'I don't know why': Confusion among Singapore drivers The consequences of an unactivated tag became very real for Lim Soon Wei, a Singaporean driver who told CNA he was 'perplexed' after being fined despite having the tag visibly installed on his dashboard. 'I went to the VEP centre in Danga Bay to get the tag installed last September, but I was told today that the tag cannot be detected. I don't know why,' said Lim, who also works as a part-time private-hire driver. A JPJ officer told CNA that some motorists are unaware that activation is a separate and essential step, without which the tag won't function even if it's been physically installed. Another driver, who declined to be named, also told CNA that he accepted the RM300 fine because he was on his way to install the tag the next day. 'I accept the fine because I have no VEP. It is what it is,' he said. Enforcement is getting serious — and it's here to stay JPJ's senior enforcement director, Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan, told CNA that the authorities will continue to stand firm. 'We will issue fines on the spot. We instruct all drivers to settle all their fines immediately,' he said, adding that action is being taken at all major land checkpoints, including Woodlands Causeway and Tuas Second Link, as well as popular areas in Johor Bahru town. The fines are issued under Section 66H(7) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which makes it an offence to operate a foreign-registered vehicle in Malaysia without a valid permit. When asked about future enforcement strategies, Muhammad Kifli told CNA : 'Based on tonight's operation, I will return and submit proposals and improvements to the Minister of Transport, and it is expected that the minister will issue further instructions.' Why this matters for Singapore drivers While RM300 may not seem excessive for a one-time offence, repeated trips to Johor, combined with accidental non-compliance, could quickly rack up unwelcome expenses for frequent travellers. This also signals a broader shift in Malaysia's approach to cross-border regulation. After years of leniency, the country is now showing that it's ready to enforce, fine, and follow through with the policy they have put in place. For Singaporeans, this demonstrates the importance of understanding and complying with Malaysia's entry requirements, just as we expect visitors to respect rules on our side of the Causeway. It's no longer enough to have the tag, but it must also be activated and detectable. Finally, given rising enforcement in other areas—from fuel violations to e-hailing operations—Singapore drivers would also benefit from treating this as part of a larger pattern of tightening bilateral transport regulation. Read also: SG Road Vigilante? Singaporean vehicle allegedly caught refuelling illegally with subsidised RON95 in Johor — Netizens react
The National
6 days ago
- The National
Dubai Police foil scam offering 70 per cent discounts on traffic fines
Dubai Police have arrested suspects over a scam offering fake discounts of up to 70 per cent on traffic fines. The group lured victims by offering the discounts in fraudulent advertisements on social media platforms, police allege. The scammers then used stolen credit and debit card data to pay off the fines in full, and charged the victims the 'discounted' rate in cash. 'They were meeting the victims personally, collecting the money in cash and paying the full amount of traffic fines using the stolen cards,' said Dubai Police in a statement. 'They illegally obtained the discounted amounts after the victim received confirmation of completing the payment.' The force did not specify the number of suspects, their nationalities or the number of victims. 'It is a double crime combining stealing bank details and financial fraud,' the police spokesperson said. Police said if someone is aware stolen credit cards are being used to pay their fines, they are also committing a crime. Stay vigilant Officials at the anti-fraud section of Dubai's CID warned the public to stay alert and not be deceived by similar fake promotions. 'There are official channels to pay the traffic fines. Unverified offers of discounts [are] a crime punishable by the law in the UAE,' said the spokesperson. Last month, Emirates airline said it was suspending its social media advertising to protect customers from the growing nuisance of online scams. The Dubai-based carrier said it acted in response to 'fraudulent advertisements currently circulating across social media platforms' that claim to be from Emirates. The company warned that cybercriminals were impersonating its official website by using branded visuals, unauthorised trademarks and links closely resembling those belonging to Emirates. Such phishing scams are created to lure customers into paying out for tickets, sharing personal information or following malicious links. Emirates said it is working with social media platforms to have the fraudulent advertising removed.
