Plans to clamp down on vehicles with loud speakers
The Commissioner of Police Mark Collins has indicated that steps are being taken to formally clamp down on residents who disturb others within the community with loudspeakers in their vehicles.
The Commissioner made the revelation recently when he appeared before the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) — a body comprised of elected leaders who meet with high-ranking public officials yearly to take an in-depth look at the territory’s budget and departmental needs.
During those meetings, the Minister for Health and Social Development asked Collins what the police are doing to address the issue of loud car speakers.
In response, the Commissioner stated that he had several conversations with the Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecution who have advised that the authorities will need devices that can measure noise (decibels) to formally hold individuals accountable for this nuisance.
The Commissioner then stated that the kit to measure decibels was obtained and officers would need to be trained to use it on the job.
The Commissioner was also asked what is being done to address the disturbances from altered mufflers on bikes and scooters.
In response, Collins stated that when he first assumed the role as Commissioner it was a constant complaint and significant improvement has been made and will continue with the seizing of bikes.
The Commissioner also gave insight into what generally happens to bikes after they are seized by the police. He said most are not road worthy and are therefore crushed, stripped for parts or auctioned.
The top cop also stated that bikes are generally seized because they are unlicensed, uninsured or faulty.
He added that persons are given the opportunity to come with their documents and claim their bikes as was the case when many were cleared from the Road Town Police Station recently.