ROARING exhausts from boy racers’ cars are causing “tremendous” noise for Glasgow residents.
Councillor Paul Carey says they are getting away with ignoring the law.
The Drumchapel councillor told how constituents are being awoken by the “anti-social” noise late at night.
He has written to First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, with his concerns and called for her to suport tougher legislation on exhaust modifications.
READ MORE: Why is Glasgow city centre used as a racetrack?
Mr Carey said: “As a matter of fact, you can hear them from quite a distance away before you see them.
“Even during the day, the racket coming from these exhausts that are modified is absolutely deafening.
“I am concerned because in my ward I have witnessed a car with one of these exhausts on it late on at night going by on a public road.”
An outright ban on exhaust modifications, which the councillor wants, would have to be executed by the UK Government.
Despite the Scottish Government having control over speed or drink driving limits, road worthiness lies with the UK.
Already, the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 states that no exhaust can be altered to increase noise.
READ MORE: Why is Glasgow City Centre used as a racetrack?
High performance exhaust upgrade kits can be installed by motorists themselves – and most big boar exhausts are illegal.
This is due to the extra noise created and the increased emissions they create.
If one is fitted, the law requires silencers are in place.
Mr Carey added: “Too many boy racers are getting away with ignoring the law – something has to be done about it.”
There are no actual noise levels permitted to a vehicle, so it would have to be enforced on discretion of a police officer and upon inspection.
The matter is complicated when sizes of engines are taken into consideration.
A police spokesman said they can issue an order to get an exhaust rectified, issue a fixed penalty and even report a motorist directly to the Procurator Fiscal.
A council spokeswoman said: “In the past, our Environmental Health team have worked with the Police and others as part of a multi-agency day of action to carry out roadside vehicle emissions tests when the Police have pulled vehicles over.”
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