9th August 2023, Mumbai: In an official statement, Mumbai Police said that unnecessary honking causes noise pollution in the environment and also adversely affects human health. Traffic Control Branch, Mumbai has decided to observe ‘No Honking Day’ on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, and August 16, 2023, to curb the trend of honking among motorists.
Advised silencers and horns are as per rules and guidelines.
Mumbai Police further said that the motorists are advised to ensure that, the horns and silencers of their vehicles are as per the guidelines laid down in Rule No. 119 and 120 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules of 1989 respectively.
“Action will be taken against those who are honking unnecessarily under section 194 (F) MV Act. Also, action will be taken against those who have modified silencers/exhaust pipes of their two or four-wheelers violating norms under section 198 of M.V. Act,” an official press release said on Monday.
It said the Traffic Control Branch, Mumbai appeals to all the drivers and riders in Mumbai city, except ambulances, fire brigades and other vehicles on
Emergency duties, not to honk the horns of their vehicle on August 9, 2023, and August 16, 2023 and on other days as well.
Earlier, in mid-June, Mumbai Traffic Police had booked 2,116 motorists for unnecessarily honking in the city.
The Traffic Control Branch of Mumbai Police had announced that on 14th June 2023, a ‘No Honking Day’ will be observed to curb the noise pollution in Mumbai.
Awareness against Honking
The police had in June said that awareness against honking on the streets was spread through press releases, digital hoardings, VMS boards, and various social media platforms. A positive response was received from several social workers, NGO’s and Schools in Mumbai who also joined us in spreading awareness to observe ‘No Honking Day’.
The statement said that officers and the staff from the Traffic Control Branch along with school children stood at prominent traffic junctions in the city and displayed placards and banners, explaining the side effects of noise pollution due to unnecessary honking.
It had said that In some areas corner meetings of taxi, autos, BEST bus drivers were allegedly found honking and the ill effects of noise pollution on one’s health were explained to them. These motorists were instructed not to use horns unnecessarily.
Cases registered earlier in mid june
“The no-honking drive was a great success and it was noticed that noise levels had gone down at many important junctions. However, some motorists honked unnecessarily. Hence as a part of the ‘No Honking Day’, the Traffic control branch booked 2,116 errant drivers for honking as per section 194 (F) of Motor Vehicle Act 1988,” the statement said.
ASC Priya