SACO (AP) – A third community in southern Maine is considering banning motorcycles from making too much noise.

Saco city councilors plan to vote Tuesday whether to approve a new ordinance outlawing the revving of motorcycle engines.

Saco City Councilor Eric Cote said that motorcycles should be made to adhere to rules about noise just like cars.

“If you make excessive noise with your car, you’d be ticketed. Why should motorcycles be any different?” he said.

Saco Police Chief Bradley Paul said that “needless acceleration” and “revving engines” are threatening the quality of life that Maine citizens expect. Police have received numerous complaints, he said.

Saco modeled its proposed ordinance after ones in Old Orchard Beach and Portland. Officials in both of those municipalities say the ordinance is working and complaints are down.

Old Orchard Beach drew its ordinance regulating motorcycle noise from one that Portland councilors approved in March. Old Orchard town councilors voted in May to outlaw loud motorcycles such as those with altered mufflers.

Portland and Old Orchard Beach officials say their crackdowns seem to be working.

“During the summer last year we had a lot of noise complaints, but this year we haven’t had nearly as many,” Portland Police Sgt. Gary Rogers said.

Old Orchard Beach Police Chief Dana Kelley said his town has also noticed a reduction in motorcycle noise.

AP-ES-09-01-03 1129EDT

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