It is an issue that has plagued the town for decades, with 'boy racers' tearing up and down the seafront.

But Great Yarmouth's clampdown on nuisance drivers is now making noise of its own after its innovative camera trial gained national recognition.

The borough council has won an award from the annual Noise Abatement Society awards for its efforts to tackle noise pollution.

The new noise camera in Great YarmouthThe new noise camera in Great Yarmouth (Image: Great Yarmouth Borough Council)

It follows the town becoming one of four locations selected to be the focus of an innovative sound-activated camera trial, which aimed to dissuade antisocial behaviour caused by revving engines, loud music and popping exhaust pipes.

The cameras look similar to speed cameras but are fitted with a microphone and automatic number plate recognition technology.

They are fitted with a microphone and ANPR technology (Image: Great Yarmouth Borough Council)

Yarmouth was chosen for the £300,000 scheme after struggling for decades to stop the issue, with the Golden Mile known to be a hotspot for 'boy racers'.

Last month, GYBC erected the noise camera, which costs £25,000, close to St Nicholas Car Park, which is equipped with microphones and automatic number plate recognition technology.

Eastern Daily Press: Paul Wells, cabinet member for environment and sustainabilityPaul Wells, cabinet member for environment and sustainability (Image: GYBC)

At a recent meeting, Paul Wells, cabinet member for environment, sustainability, licensing and waste, revealed one driver has already been caught by the equipment and has received three points on their licence and a fine for careless driving.

Educational letters have also been sent to 26 drivers for breaching the town's public space protection order.

Mr Wells added: ‘’We know our residents have long been troubled by a small minority of inconsiderate drivers on the seafront, some of whom behave illegally.

"The award is recognition for the council’s whole-hearted commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Great Yarmouth."

The scheme appears to be pleasing locals, with 79pc saying the cameras make them feel safer at a recent public consultation.

The Noise Abatement Society’ ‘John Connell Awards 2024’ held in the Terrace Pavillion, Palace of Westminster,The House of Commons, Westminster, London, hosted by The Lord Balfe - Richard Andrew Balfe.The Noise Abatement Society’ ‘John Connell Awards 2024’ held in the Terrace Pavillion, Palace of Westminster, the House of Commons, Westminster, London, hosted by the Lord Balfe - Richard Andrew Balfe. (Image: ANDREW DUNSMORE)

The annual Noise Abatement Society John Connel awards are known as the "noise Oscars" and celebrate action on noise nuisance in the UK. 

GYBC's noise camera scheme was delivered in conjunction with Norfolk Constabulary through funding from the Safer Streets action fund.