Residents living along one of Armagh’s main routes say escalating noise and “anti‑social driving” from modified cars is leaving them exhausted, stressed and questioning “what the PSNI is actually doing locally” to tackle the problem.
People in areas affected by modified and loudly‑driven vehicles say they are repeatedly exposed to loud exhausts, aggressive acceleration, engine revving and explosive backfires “at all hours of the day and night”.
One Barrack Street resident, who asked to remain anonymous, told Armagh I the issue is not about car enthusiasts, but about how some vehicles are being altered and driven through built‑up areas.
“This is not a complaint about people owning or enjoying cars,” she said.
“It is a complaint about how some vehicles are being modified and driven on public roads, and the effect that behaviour is having on the people who live there.
“Cars can be heard accelerating through built‑up areas, engines being deliberately revved and exhausts producing extremely loud bangs and backfires. When this happens repeatedly, it creates stress and disturbance in what should be the security and privacy of your own home.”
She said that while Barrack Street is an arterial road, that “should not be taken to mean that residents should simply accept or tolerate excessive noise and antisocial driving behaviour”.
“The cumulative nature of it is particularly important. A single loud vehicle might be dismissed as an isolated incident, but when this happens repeatedly, it becomes an ongoing disturbance.
“For myself, and other residents in the area, that can mean interrupted sleep, disruption to family life, stress and feeling that you cannot properly enjoy peace and privacy in your own home.”
Residents say they are clear on one central question: if excessive vehicle noise, defective exhausts and anti‑social driving are recognised issues, how consistently are local powers being used?
“This is where residents want greater clarity,” the Barrack Street resident added.
“The issue is not simply that a car sounds louder than a standard vehicle. Residents are reporting vehicles being driven in areas with hard acceleration, excessive revving and repeated loud exhaust backfires.
“The question for enforcement authorities is whether individual vehicles are compliant and whether the manner in which they are driven raises additional motoring or road‑safety concerns.
“PSNI’s own published information confirms that excessive vehicle noise and defective exhausts fall within its motoring‑offence statistics.
“If officers have the powers and guidance to deal with illegal or excessively noisy exhaust systems, how are those powers being used when complaints are repeatedly made?
“NIDirect identifies road‑vehicle noise as an environmental noise issue and specifically lists disturbance from exhaust pipes. It advises people wishing to complain about vehicles with faulty silencers to contact the PSNI.
“Outlined by the PSNI, excessive noise as a form of antisocial behaviour can significantly affect the quality of life for individuals and communities, stating that motoring offences should be reported to the PSNI.
“So again, the question is: what is the PSNI actually doing locally?”
She said the issue particularly affects residents who work shifts, families with young children, older people with medical conditions and “anyone particularly sensitive to sudden noise”, adding that “the cumulative effect can be significant”.
Responding to the concerns, police in Armagh said they are aware of the problem and are actively targeting vehicular anti‑social behaviour.
Neighbourhood Inspector Moffett said: “Neighbourhood Policing Teams as well as Local Policing Teams are working hard to tackle this issue. We will continue to work closely with key stakeholders and partner agencies, including the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) to address these concerns which directly impact communities within Armagh city.
“I want to reassure local residents and businesses that we will continue to take all reports of such activity very seriously, and those involved in this kind of behaviour need to think seriously about the consequences of their actions.
“There are repercussions of anti‑social driving, including fixed penalty notices, cars being seized, and court appearances.
“We are also aware of the negative impact that this type of activity can have on the local community, and would appeal to anyone affected to report anti‑social activity immediately to ensure a prompt response.
“Finally, I would encourage anyone who has any concerns about anti‑social behaviour or anti‑social driving to contact police via 101 to make a report.”
