By Isle of Wight Observer
A local solicitor is offering to help residents fed up with loud exhausts and antisocial driving in the evenings — particularly those affected by modified cars causing disruption late at night.
Across the Island, people have become increasingly frustrated by vehicles with illegally modified exhaust systems racing through residential streets, often well past midnight. These systems are designed to amplify engine noise, disturbing sleep and causing significant nuisance.
Although enforcement powers exist under road traffic and noise regulations, limited police resources often mean such offences are not prioritised. Now, a Newport-based solicitor is offering a free private prosecution service to those affected, aiming to give individuals or groups a route to legal redress.
Michael Coyle, Solicitor Advocate at Lawdit Solicitors, said: “Excessively noisy vehicles are not just antisocial – they’re illegal. If the authorities won’t act, we will. These exhaust systems are not about enjoying driving – they’re about causing disruption, and that has to stop. Quite simply these people are morons. By all means enjoy the driving experience but stop the noise and exhausts, it’s so ignorant and rude, it’s beyond the comprehension of any normal person.”
The new service will assess available evidence, prepare the necessary legal documents, and, where appropriate, begin prosecution proceedings in the magistrates’ court. Offending drivers could face fines, penalty points, or orders removing their vehicles from the road.
To support a potential case, affected residents are encouraged to record incidents using their phone or a noise monitoring app. The legal noise limit for cars registered after 1983 is 74 decibels. It is also important to note dates, times, and vehicle registration numbers, and where possible, to take photographs of the offending vehicles. Identifying the registered keeper is vital to pursue a case.
All information shared with the legal team will be treated confidentially, and no action will be taken without consent.
Anyone affected is urged to come forward to help make Island communities quieter and more peaceful for everyone.
