A new traffic camera on Adelphi Rd will measure the noise made by northbound cars at the intersection of Adelphi and Van Buren, in front of Northwestern High School. The camera will record license plate numbers and issue warnings to cars with motor noise that is too loud.
Under Maryland law, cars can’t be louder than 80 decibels. The camera will issue warnings when cars reach 85 decibels or more, which is about as loud as a blender.
Prince George’s County police are operating and maintaining the camera under a pilot project established by the Maryland state legislature. A second camera is being set up in National Harbor. Montgomery County has a similar pilot program.
Grant Godfrey, a University Park council member representing Ward 6, which borders Adelphi south of Van Buren, said that he has gotten a lot of complaints about noise made by drivers who have deliberately modified vehicles so that they are louder, and like to drive up and down Adelphi. He said he is hopeful this will “educate the community to do that in a more appropriate place,” and not on a public road.
Maryland Senator Alonzo T. Washington (District 22) said “We’ve clearly heard from University Park residents that they’ve had noise issues for a long time on that side of the road.”
Kareem Redmond, who represents Hyattsville residents who live west of Adelphi, said he has heard occasionally from Hyattsville residents about the noise, though more often from University Park residents across the street. He said some of his constituents are advocating for a traffic light at Adelphi and Van Buren where there is currently a crosswalk in front of the school.
Officials involved in advocating for the camera posed for a photo Weds, Jan. 7, as the camera began operation.
In the future, the data collected by the camera could be used to issue citations or require vehicle repair.
The pilot will end June 30, unless the state extends it.