Dehradun police have warned city-based mechanics against installing pressure horns in vehicles to avoid the risk of accidents and also curb noise pollution, failing which they will be subjected to stringent action.
According to the Environment (Protection) Rules, the noise standards for two or three wheelers and passenger cars are 80 and 82 decibels respectively. However, noise emanating from pressure horns in the state capital, including many government vehicles or those plying on government duty exceeds the limit, police said.
“All police station in-charges have held meetings with and warned mechanics in their respective areas against installing pressure horns and removing silencers from vehicles. Action will be taken against those who are found to be installing or even recommending them to vehicle owners,” said Dehradun superintendent of police (traffic) Dhirendra Gunjyal, adding that the reckless honking often startles drivers leading to accidents.
“25 people were penalised by the city patrol units in Dehradun last month for using pressure horns or having removed silencers from their vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Act. We will continue to take action on the users as well,” added Gunjyal.
In February this year, the Central Pollution Board had banned pressure, multi toned and musical horns. The latest data available with the Uttarakhand environment protection and pollution control board suggests that six of the seven places where noise data is recorded in Dehradun exceed the standard noise limits in commercial, residential and silence zones (standard noise limit: 65, 55 & 50 decibels during day time).
{{/usCountry}}In February this year, the Central Pollution Board had banned pressure, multi toned and musical horns. The latest data available with the Uttarakhand environment protection and pollution control board suggests that six of the seven places where noise data is recorded in Dehradun exceed the standard noise limits in commercial, residential and silence zones (standard noise limit: 65, 55 & 50 decibels during day time).
{{/usCountry}}Mechanics said that tightening noose around them is not an ideal solution. “It is all about demand and supply...people, especially youngsters, come to us with demands of replacing their (standard) horns with the louder ones...unless their (loud horns’) manufacturing stops, the trend will continue,” said a motor mechanic based on GMS Road.
Gunjyal said that the police will “send notice to manufacturers and dealers from where the loud horns are procured by the mechanics.”