Vic: Operation Pipedown Nabs More Than 1300 Noisy Hoons

A JOINT operation between Victoria Police and the Environment Protection Agency has seen 1369 EPA notices issued to drivers and riders of excessively loud cars and motorcycles.

Running from April 20 until May 1, Operation Pipedown is targeting vehicles with loud exhausts, which the Australian Bureau of Statistics lists as one of the top reported community concerns.

Drivers issued with EPA notices are required to pass a noise test within 28 days, with failure to comply potentially resulting in the vehicle's registration being suspended.

Acting Inspector Lisa Winchester from Melbourne East police said she is pleased with the operation’s results so far.

“Drivers of illegally modified, excessively loud motor vehicles are part of an anti-social behaviour problem,” she said. “This operation is in response to the large number of complaints police continue to receive relating to overly loud cars and motorcycles.

“While Operation Pipedown is largely focused on the Melbourne area, many neighbourhood hoons driving through Melbourne City have already been caught.

“Over 1000 have been detected so far, and we are only half way through the operation. We anticipate many more will follow prior to the end of this two week operation."

While it did not offer specific numbers, Victoria Police noted the Nissan Skyline range as the vehicle of choice for the majority of offenders. 

Other listed include the Holden Commodore (Ute models in particular), Subaru Impreza, and the Honda Integra and Civic.

Operation Pipedown is a traffic operation conducted by Victoria Police in partnership with the Environment Protection Authority, Melbourne City Council, Melbourne University, the Victorian Deaf Society and, interestingly, Harley Davidson.