Herts police have issued an update amid an ongoing £20,000 scheme to tackle street racing that has been going on "for years" in St Albans.
The force has reported a decline in anti-social vehicle crime following the introduction of acoustic monitoring technology on the A405 North Orbital Road.
Over the past year, the technology has been used to solve long-standing issues with illegal car meets, dangerous driving, and excessive noise in Chiswell Green.
Officers say incidents have decreased since the start of the pilot project.
Sergeant Hannah McLaughlin said: “We hope it won’t come to that. We want to educate drivers first. This has been a complex, long-term priority, and since the cameras have been in place, reports of anti-social driving have reduced.”
The pilot scheme was funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner and developed through joint working with partners including Hertfordshire Highways, Hertfordshire County Council, local councillors, and Burston Garden Centre.
Residents have reported a decrease in anti-social driving and noise, but the project has now entered a more proactive phase.
Drivers whose vehicles are found to be emitting significantly higher noise levels than average will receive an educational letter reminding them of laws regarding noise, exhaust modifications, and driver behaviour.
If the same vehicle is detected more than twice, police may consider enforcement action.
Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, said: "The technology will build on the work done by the neighbourhood policing team and will be an important tool to identify vehicles causing a nuisance and allow the police to take action, ultimately leading to the potential for vehicles to be seized if drivers don’t heed educational warning letters.
"I hope this will be a practical step that will bring some relief to the local community and make a busy road safer for all."
The acoustic monitoring scheme is being highlighted as part of Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, with police emphasising the role of data and technology in addressing issues that matter to communities.
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