Bangalore starts drive against 'illegal' honking

16 November, 2012

If you are living in Bangalore and driving a vehicle, be prepared to pay hefty fine if you blow horn unnecessarily on the roads of the city. Regional Transport Office (RTO) has launched the drive against those who honk excessively, to reduce increasing noise level of the city.

BANGALORE'S REGIONAL Transport Office (RTO) has decided to reduce increasing noise pollution of the city by taking action against those people who have the habit of blowing horns without any reason, by charging them with hefty fines for 'excessive honking'.

RTO Joint Commissioner (Enforcement) H.G Kumar said that the department has decided to fine and book errant motorists for both air and noise pollution. “Many two-wheelers use horns meant to be used only by four-wheelers. Also, many vehicles, especially autorickshaws, generate tremendous amount of noise as they tamper with the silencers,” said Mr. Kumar.

As per the reports, the fine for two-wheelers is Rs. 300, four-wheelers Rs. 600, and Rs 900 for heavy vehicles. Mr Kumar also informed that 30 officials, including 20 from other districts, have been deployed to catch violators. The squads will operate in 10 areas such as Jayanagar, Yeshwantpur, Electronics City and many more areas of the city.

It is also reported that squad nabbed almost 1000 violators on average since the starting of drive from November 6 and will conclude on 30th of November.

In addition to this Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) also launched an interesting campaign called 'No Horn Monday’ to curb noise pollution. With the collaboration of many local people and organisations, this campaign was launched.

In association with Bangalore City Traffic Police, car dealers Pratham Motors, and the Koramangala Residents’ Welfare Association efforts will be made to make residential and commercial areas to become noise pollution free and as per the chairperson of KSPCB, Vaman Acharya maximum permissible level of sound in residential areas will be 55 decibels and 65 in commercial areas and will not allow any one to honk at night between 10pm to 6am.

He also seemed happy and welcomed the RTO’s efforts to curb noise pollution in the city and penalising those who horn excessively, in residential areas, on traffic signals and in the 500-metre stretch in and around the silent zones like hospitals, schools and courts.