Newport Exploring Use Of AI To Crack Down On Noise

NEWPORT, RI — In an effort to crack down on noise pollution Newport city officials are preparing to deploy an AI-powered smart enforcement system that will be capable of identifying and capturing noise violations in real-time.

The system, which pairs the city’s existing traffic camera capabilities with new sound-detecting technology, is intended to help close an enforcement gap encountered by Newport police and zoning officials, city officials said. City officials said the system provides pinpointed, real-time data on excessive and potentially harmful decibel levels.

City officials said the "noise camera system underwent extensive field-testing over the course of five months earlier this year and is the latest in a series of steps Newport has taken to address what has become one of the city’s most persistent quality of life issues.

"While the city has for years dedicated resources to enforce its noise ordinances both during the daytime and overnight hours, proving that a noise violation has taken place has always been a challenge,"a city spokesperson said. "Once deployed, the noise camera program is expected to supplement those efforts by providing police with the data that they need in real-time for issuing potential violations and alerting offending motorists of potential violations by flashing warning signs as they drive by."

See more information about Newport's anti-noise AI technology.

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