During the first trial in Newton Abbot, Devon, a driver was fined £30 when his car exhaust was making more than three times the acceptable level of noise.

Police said drivers must be made aware of the impact their actions have on residents and the local community.

The meters will be used in targeted operations and at known trouble spots, including Plymouth Hoe and Exmouth's sea front.

Sgt Paul Caboche, from Launceston's roads policing centre in Cornwall, said: "Continued offending will land anti-social drivers in court and these sound kits will assist officers by acting as additional, accurate support to an officer's opinion when giving evidence."

The force said the use of the measuring devices followed consultation with local communities to identify the top three priorities they wanted police to deal with.

Anti-social driving, including excessive noise, was shown as a "significant concern" affecting the quality of life in many neighbourhoods.

"Anti-social driving is consistently a cause of frustration within our communities," Sgt Caboche added.

Vehicle noise levels should be between 82 and 89 decibels and background noise between 50 and 60 decibels.

The first £30 fixed penalty ticket was issued after a vehicle exhaust was measured at 93 decibels.

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