TRIALS to combat excessive vehicle noise across the UK are now being financed following a campaign spearheaded by a local MP.

Meon Valley MP George Hollingbery had been lobbying ministers for action after hearing about widespread problems from his constituents.

Motorcycle noise, in particular, is causing residents upset on the A32 and A272.

The Department for Transport (DfT) will now set up initial tests to measure the sound levels of passing motorbikes and cars, and detect those that are breaking the law.

It is expected that the scheme will use automated number plate recognition to enforce fines.

Mr Hollingbery said: "This inconsiderate noise by a tiny minority, especially in the summer months, is a major problem in my constituency and others, and I’m delighted the Department for Transport has set up this trial.

"I’ve certainly been campaigning for this type of technology to be developed for some time because I know how upsetting vehicle noise is to my constituents and there is clear evidence it affects health too."

Studies have found that exposure to noise can have significant physical and mental health implications with heart attacks, high blood pressure, type two diabetes and stress, all linked to long-term contact with loud environments.

Currently, enforcement relies on subjective judgement by the police, but these new trials will determine suitable noise limits by taking into account the class and speed of the vehicle, relative to the location of the noise camera.

Experts will assemble monitoring equipment and test at several locations over the next seven months.

Mr Hollingbery added: "It’s a substantial step forward to solving the complex technical issue of finding a workable solution that can calculate the noise of a vehicle from other background noise, identify it and then offer a realistic prospect of prosecuting the offender.

"The next step is to ensure one of the trials takes place in the Meon Valley and I will be in contact with ministers and officials to push hard for this to happen.

"I remain hopeful a practical solution can be found. To have government undertake research, then recognise the problem and now finance these trials is clearly good news.”

If the trials are successful, recommendations will be made to further develop the system across the UK.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "Noise pollution makes the lives of people in communities across Britain an absolute misery and has very serious health impacts.

“This is why I am determined to crack down on the nuisance drivers who blight our streets.

“New technology will help us lead the way in making our towns and cities quieter, and I look forward to seeing how these exciting new cameras could work.”