Noise camera introduced in Paignton to tackle anti-social driving

Police in Paignton have introduced a new noise monitoring device to tackle reports of anti-social driving along the town’s seafront.

Residents and hoteliers have raised concerns over vehicles revving, accelerating rapidly and sounding horns along the Esplanade, sometimes in the early hours.

Devon & Cornwall Police is working with Torbay Council, Paignton Community Partnership and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to respond. Signs warning drivers about the acoustic monitoring technology, or “noise camera”, are being installed. Excessive noise will be recorded and dealt with, with repeat offenders potentially facing Section 59 warnings and vehicle seizure.

Paignton and Brixham Neighbourhood Inspector Pete Giesens said: “We understand that nuisance drivers can have a negative community impact and this issue is a priority for me and my team. The pioneering acoustic technology monitors noise levels and takes a firm, but fair approach. Our aim is to educate drivers first before we take any enforcement action.”

The area already has CCTV cameras managed by Torbay Council, which continue to act as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour.

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Paignton has fallen in recent years. There were 836 incidents reported in 2024, dropping to 671 in 2025.

Torbay Council leader Councillor David Thomas said the noise camera would complement the existing CCTV system. “Anti-social driving has been blighting residents and businesses around the seafront for some time, so I’m pleased we’ve been able to get this camera up and running and respond to the community’s concerns,” he said.

Paignton is a designated hotspot for policing anti-social behaviour, benefiting from additional high-visibility foot patrols funded by the Home Office. Between April and December 2025, officers carried out 207 extra hours of patrols in the town centre.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez added: “Since residents and business owners raised this issue, my team has been facilitating a conversation between the council and the police. If successful, I would like to see further noise cameras deployed across Devon and Cornwall. Noisy driving can cause real damage to people’s wellbeing and livelihoods.”

Residents can report anti-social behaviour via the Devon & Cornwall Police website or by calling 101. Updates, crime prevention advice and local alerts are available through Devon & Cornwall Police Community Messaging or the Paignton Police Facebook page.