A local car enthusiast is hoping an open dialogue can happen with police and what he calls lobbyists in terms of after-market modifications to vehicles.
The Facebook group Pipe Down NL has been asking for greater enforcement of laws against aftermarket modifications, citing noise concerns and their effects on personal health. Recently, the RNC held an enforcement blitz on Signal Hill to raise public awareness about the issue and the intention to reinforce existing laws.
Enthusiast Matthew Brown is speaking out against what he calls the “demonization” of the car community. He cites multiple charitable efforts the community is involved in such as Wheels for Wishes and notes that most drivers go out of their way not to bother anyone when on the roads.
He says in most situations, vehicles with a modified exhaust can be kept “pretty quiet” if the driver wants to and says that’s what most drivers choose to do.
Brown calls the notion that all vehicles with a modified exhaust create a noise pollution problem “factually inaccurate.” He believes that anyone creating problems should be dealt with individually, instead of the entire community being targeted.
