RTO to penalise motorists for noise pollution; drive on till November 30
If you are one of those who drive other road users round the bend by incessant honking, be prepared to be slapped with a hefty fine throughout this month.
In an effort to reduce rising noise levels in the city, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has launched a drive against those who honk excessively. RTO Joint Commissioner (Enforcement) H.G Kumar said the RTO is fining and booking 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. Those guilty of not bothering to contain thick exhaust fumes will also be fined.
The fine for two-wheelers is Rs. 300, four-wheelers Rs. 600, and heavy vehicles Rs. 900.
“Thirty officials, including 20 from other districts, have been deployed to apprehend violators. The squads will operate in 10 areas such as Jayanagar, Yeshwantpur, Electronics City and so on,” Mr. Kumar said.
The RTO is nabbing an average of 1,000 violators a day ever since the drive was launched on November 6. It concludes on November 30.
Meanwhile, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) too launched a ‘No Horn Monday’ campaign to curb noise pollution.
The KSPCB campaign is being carried out in association with Bangalore City Traffic Police, car dealers Pratham Motors, and the Koramangala Residents’ Welfare Association.
Speaking to presspersons here on Thursday, KSPCB chairperson Vaman Acharya said the maximum permissible level of sound in residential areas is 55 decibels and 65 in commercial areas. “According to the law, honking is not allowed at night time between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.,” said Mr. Acharya, adding that the electronic device set off by reverse gear in vehicles has to be switched off between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
He welcomed the RTO’s efforts to curb noise pollution in penalising those who horn excessively, in residential areas, traffic signals and in the 500-metre stretch in and around the silent zones like hospitals, schools and courts.
Sunday relief
Koramangala Residents’ Welfare Association general secretary Nitin Sheshadri said that Koramangala was one of the noisiest areas in the city, with levels in the residential areas averaging a whopping 90 decibels. The noise pollution comes down to permissible levels only on Sundays. Pratham Motors CEO Samar Vikram Bhasin hoped that the campaign is taken up elsewhere in the city
Keywords: Koramangala Residents’ Welfare Association, RTO Joint Commissioner (Enforcement) H.G Kumar, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, incessant honking
how about fighting against the traffic police department for getting bribe and to punish the officers who demand bribes instead of fines.i think this will make more sense than this honking.once again they will demand for bribe instead of fines.another excuse to get bribe.
The bribe for two-wheelers is Rs. 100, four-wheelers Rs. 200, and heavy vehicles Rs. 100.if you pay here this much you will be paying.otherwise you have to go to the court and pay- The fine for two-wheelers is Rs. 300, four-wheelers Rs. 600, and heavy vehicles Rs. 900.you make the choice.this will be the future for this policy.
Excellent initiative. In India if we just can the traffic to become orderly and significantly quieter, this alone would make our cities more tolerable and acceptable for foreign investments. Most tourists/investors are frightened away the moment they step out the airport and see the utter traffic chaos, mayhem and maddening crowds.
Why stop on November 30th, this should be the norm! Fantastic
initiative, and please increase the fines to at least 500 or more for
all traffic violations. Fines should also have their annual inflation
increase! The current fines for traffic signal violation or helmet
violation are too low for people to disobey during peak office hours.
They think of it as a fee they pay for skipping traffic and going
faster to work.
There should be fear of losing their driver's license in every
violation. I think the rules are there, we just need to implement them
more strongly.
Good initiative!
It is indeed possible to drive without honking. Some 20 years ago, the horn of my scooter malfunctioned and because of work pressure, I couldn't get it fixed for six months. In the meantime, I was forced to slow down sometimes and use hand gestures a little more. Over time, it became a habit. I then fined myself one rupee every time I honked and donated the money to charity. Now, I seldom honk. In fact, I am amazed at how people honk absentmindedly.
very good move. Once I was with my colleague in Banglore for 10 days. Hired a taxi for all days with one condition: no honking. initially he said its impossible, i told to use all indicator, distance, traffic rules. You wont believe after 5 days, we asked him how he feels.. He was driving without honking. I always tell my friends, that its our responsibility also to spread the message. If each one of us could help one or two driver during our trip, problem will be solved (not all but 50%). Just making huge cry will not solve any social problem in India. I have seen this attitude more nd more among urban Indians and NRI. You have to solve the problem rather shy away..
Good if strictly implemented. But sure, it is going to be another source of income for corrupt Traffic Police and RTA official to harass people.
Heartening news. The educated class of our country can set an example by following the law(s).
Kudos!! hope this becomes a law.. and everyone including myself and esp
the BUS drivers should be fined if found guilty..!!
Kudos to these steps to activate the already existing provisions. We
have to see how long this will continue. Any way best thing forward.
A very good move in india. If the attempt succeeds, it will be a great achievement and then
It can bebextended to othetvareas as well. In India , driving is difficult and more so in the
Big cities of India. The pedestrians on the road, the cows and other animals, the cyclists,
those using the scooters and motor cycles pose a big problem to those driving the motor
Vehicles. On the same road, the vehicles move in opposite directions, and this again is
Another problems facing the drivers. The govt and the police will have to sympathize
With the driver community. In spite of that, it is advisable to bring the concept of road
Discipline in India, but that will have in a gradual manner. Those people who drive very
Well in foreign countries, find it very difficult to drive in India,because of the lack of riod
discipline in india. The writer has never heard horning in USA and Canada, because, there
is no necessity for horning in these countries. All good wishes. C.P.Chandra Das USA.
Please Email the Editor