Swedish speed camera pays drivers to slow down

by Mary Tatigian, Chair, Quiet Streets, Co-Chair, Quiet American Skies, Founder, Quiet Florida

Photo credit: Jonathan Petersson

In Stockholm, Sweden, a creative experiment has shown that public safety doesn’t have to rely solely on punishment — it can be playful, engaging and effective. Kevin Richardson’s “Speed Camera Lottery,” originally submitted to Volkswagen’s The Fun Theory contest, rewards drivers who obey speed limits by entering them into a lottery. The twist? The prize money comes from fines paid by speeders. The result? Average driving speeds have dropped significantly, improving safety and reducing risk.

This model offers a compelling blueprint for noise pollution enforcement, especially in communities where chronic noise harms health but enforcement is underfunded or unpopular.

Imagine a system where noise cameras don’t just fine violators, they also recognize and reward quiet and respectful driving. Vehicles that pass within acceptable decibel levels could be entered into a monthly drawing, funded by fines from excessively loud vehicles. This flips enforcement from punitive to participatory, encouraging compliance through positive reinforcement.

• Noise pollution is a public health hazard. It’s linked to cardiovascular disease, sleep disruption, anxiety and cognitive impairment — especially in children and vulnerable populations.

• Behavioral incentives work. Just as Sweden saw a drop in speeding, communities could see a reduction in harmful noise levels.

•Community trust improves. When enforcement feels fair and constructive, public support grows.

Quieter streets, with vehicle motors and exhausts meeting legally-specified noise limits, will help make a quieter and better world for all.