To curb the ill effects of loud noise pollution in the downtown district, the Pensacola Downtown Improvement Board is deploying additional police officers to crack down on drivers who cause disturbance noise.
- Beginning May 17 Pensacola Police Dept. will issue citations to violators. The fine for a non-moving violation such as noise is $116.
- Normal moving violations are $166, but racing, wheelies, and other moving violations could result in criminal charges or higher fine amounts.
Intentional noise has long been a problem for those who visit, work and live downtown, according to DIB executive director Walker Wilson. “Unfortunately there are a small number of drivers and motorcycle riders who flout the city’s noise regulations, and the level of sound can be unbelievable.”
Motorcycles and cars with exhaust systems illegally modified to boost noise and power, sudden or rapid acceleration, and car sound systems with excessive bass, are particular problems. To address the noise issue, it’s become necessary to enforce local ordinances targeting individuals who modify their car exhaust systems and play music excessively loud.
“Excessive noise has always been illegal, it’s just that we haven’t had the resources to enforce against it before,” added Wilson. “The DIB appreciates the support in this effort from Mayor Reeves and Police Chief Eric Randall.”
The additional officers are welcomed by downtown merchants and property owners who see the undue noise as a big deterrent to families and individuals who visit and live downtown.
“We are ecstatic to support the increased presence of the police and sound monitoring in an effort to minimize nighttime disruptions,” said downtown property owner Bobby Switzer. “We want to make our own culture that allows relaxation all the time, liveliness on your own time.”
Pensacola City Councilmember Allison Patton agrees. “I am excited to see the DIB and Pensacola Police Department partnering on this initiative to address excessive vehicle noise in downtown Pensacola,” she said. “This is an important step forward to improve the outdoor experience of residents and visitors to our downtown. “