Regional police say they laid a total 52 charges in a two-week blitz targeting excessively noisy vehicles in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls.

Dubbed “Operation Loud and Clear” and launched on Sept. 25, the project laid 33 Highway Traffic Act charges for having no muffler, 15 tickets for an improper muffler and four counts of unnecessary noise.

The blitz was designed to “show the public that their complaints over vehicles causing excessive noise were heard 'Loud and Clear,' ” Niagara Regional Police said in an news release Tuesday.

Officers targeted vehicles with defects or that were modified to become louder. The police department statement said officers have noticed an increased number of vehicles whose mufflers were removed or replaced with aftermarket parts designed to boost the noise of the exhaust to unacceptable levels.

While the project has ended, police said they plan to continue to inspect vehicles causing excessive noise and charge drivers whose cars break the law.

“Motorists are reminded that it is the driver's responsibility to ensure the vehicle complies with the regulations set out in the Highway Traffic Act before being operated on a roadway,” the police said. “All motorists are encouraged to ensure any repairs and modifications are legal and safe.”