Environment Protection Authority inspectors travelled to the North East to take part in two days of roadblocks to test the noise levels and modified emissions systems of Wodonga vehicles.

Police are using the operation, which began at the intersection of High and Huon Streets about 3.45pm, to check licences, registrations and vehicle roadworthiness, as well as perform drug and alcohol testing on motorists.

Sen-Constable Stewart Smith, of Wodonga highway patrol, said the environmental agency inspectors had last visited the city for a similar traffic operation about six months ago.

“We’re trying to boost the EPA presence in the area and let people know it’s not just a city issue; people in town are sick of noisy cars and smoky cars,” he said.

Sen-Constable Smith said the roadblocks had enjoyed quick success.

“We had an early 80s Nissan, an older-style car that was poorly maintained, with holes in the exhaust — that’s an emissions issue,” he said.

“The owner was issued with a defect notice; they’ve got seven days to get that fixed and if they don’t, their registration will be cancelled.”

Sen-Constable Smith said the environmental agency inspectors used microphones to measure the decibels caused by vehicles’ exhaust pipes when their engines were revved.

They also opened up the bonnets of modified cars to check the condition of the vehicles’ emissions systems.

Highway patrol officers were set up as spotters along High Street, earmarking cars to be pulled over for inspection.

“We’re not pulling up every car,” Sen-Constable Smith said.

“They’re looking for things like smoky exhausts.

“They’re also listening for noisy exhausts ... it’s obvious when you’ve got turbo-charged cars.”

Sen-Constable Smith said the roadblocks would change locations in the city throughout the remainder of the operation today.