The City of Saskatoon has retrofitted 17 of its snow maintenance vehicles with new “white noise” backup alarms. The move is so residents can get a good night sleep.

City officials say they received a number of complaints from residents in regards to the conventional sound being too loud throughout the night.

Tracy Danielson, Roadways Manager with the City of Saskatoon says other municipalities across Canada are also making the switch to the new “white noise” alarms which was another reason for the switch for some City vehicles in Saskatoon.

Danielson adds the City is also considering retrofitting more maintenance vehicles with the new alarm.

The new sound is directed to the rear of the vehicle to alert and other pedestrians or vehicles that may be at risk, whereas the conventional sound can be heard at the same level from all directions.

The new sound emits a “psssht-psssht” sound whereas the conventional sound makes a “beep-beep-beep” noise.

Below is the new “white noise” sound.

Below is the conventional sound.