Cars with noisy exhaust systems are “disturbing” people and their “terrified” pets in Renfrewshire, an elected member has claimed.
Councillor James MacLaren has received backing for a motion which has raised concerns about an increase in their use within the local authority area.
It ordered the council’s director of environment and infrastructure to “investigate options to clamp down” on the practice in the community.
A report is now expected to be prepared for a future board meeting which would set out proposals to stamp out the behaviour.
Councillor MacLaren, a representative for Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, said following Thursday’s full council meeting: “There wasn’t actually any comment from other councillors, which surprised me given how much correspondence I get on the subject.
“The loud noises from these illegal exhaust systems have mainly upset my constituents’ pets.
“But this will also upset people – you can jump out your skin sometimes when these things arrive and they go ‘pop, pop, pop’ next to you. I’ve had people contact me saying, when their dogs hear these things, they just turn for home.
“They’re terrified by it. It’s disturbing people and their animals.”
The Conservative member’s motion was seconded by party colleague Councillor John Gray.
It said: “Renfrewshire Council is concerned about the increase in road illegal vehicle exhaust systems and excessive exhaust noise and instructs the director of environment and infrastructure to investigate options to clamp down on this practice and bring a report back to a future ILE [policy] board on proposals to stop this practice.”
Councillor MacLaren said it was “important” that a report was prepared on the subject so members could consider the options available.
“The police will probably need to be involved as well,” he added. “There are problems throughout the country with this issue. Some councils try and tackle it and others turn a blind eye.”
Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
