Noise from modified vehicles causes distress for Klaipėda residents, including a child with disabilities
Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Residents in Klaipėda, Lithuania, are complaining about excessive noise from motorcycles and cars, particularly at night.
- A father reported that the noise triggers seizures in his four-year-old son with a disability, causing distress and vomiting.
- Police state they have a mobile noise meter and conduct regular checks, while the municipality acknowledges the ongoing problem.
Klaipėda residents are increasingly frustrated by the constant, loud noise from modified vehicles, especially motorcycles and cars, disrupting their lives and sleep. The issue has become a significant concern, particularly during warmer months when open windows exacerbate the problem.
One resident shared a particularly distressing account of how the noise affects his four-year-old son with a disability. The sound of engines triggers severe reactions in the child, including breathing difficulties, vomiting, and seizures, requiring strong sedatives to calm him. This father's plea to "help us survive this summer with my son" highlights the extreme impact of the noise pollution on vulnerable individuals.
Social media discussions reveal widespread discontent, with many residents calling for stricter controls on vehicles with modified exhaust systems. Suggestions include more frequent police raids, thorough technical inspections of vehicles, and the installation of automatic noise-measuring devices.
Authorities acknowledge the problem, with the municipality stating that complaints are received regularly and information is passed to the police. The Klaipėda County Chief Police Commissariat confirms that similar trends are observed annually, particularly in the city center. Police emphasize that they are equipped with a mobile noise meter for efficient checks and conduct both regular patrols and targeted operations to address the issue.
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.