Paris, France is taking steps to reduce noise pollution caused by excessive car traffic. In response to a recent Danish study linking long-term exposure to traffic noise with an increased risk of dementia, the Parisian government has implemented measures to reduce car traffic in the city center. These measures include a general speed limit for almost all streets and the creation of new bike and pedestrian paths. Now, the city is taking a more aggressive approach to noise offenders, specifically targeting excessively loud cars and motorcycles.
To accomplish this, Paris has introduced a new system called Medusa, which uses four microphones and two cameras to automatically detect and document loud vehicles. The system is based on technology originally developed in the United States to detect gunshots. Paris has chosen the non-profit organization Bruitparif to operate the system, which will be tested in two neighborhoods over a three-month pilot program. The system will automatically record the license plates of loud vehicles and send out fines to their owners.
The Medusa system is designed to be a hidden “blitzer” against car enthusiasts with excessively loud vehicles. The hope is that this system will help reduce noise pollution in the city and improve the quality of life for residents. While some may argue that this is an invasion of privacy, the Parisian government believes that it is a necessary step to combat the negative effects of excessive noise pollution.
