Hyd Traffic police books 450 vehicles for unauthorised horns; 30% are RTC buses

Hyderabad Traffic Police have booked 450 vehicle owners for using air horns, multi-toned horns, sirens, or hooters as part of their special drive to curb noise pollution. The special drive began on May 10.

After inspection, Hyderabad Traffic Police found that most RTC, private buses, and other heavy vehicles in the Hyderabad Tri-Commissionorate area use air horns. Most of the vehicles that have been booked comprise buses- both private and RTC along with other heavy vehicles.

"A meeting was held with RTC authorities. TSRTC MD V C Sajjanar has already directed all the bus drivers to remove the air horns. While many RTC buses have done so, there are many who are still using air horns. Almost 30% of the vehicles booked for air horns are TSRTC buses," Joint Traffic Commissioner of Police A V Ranganath told NewsMeter. "

"We have given more than one month's notice to all vehicle ownerss to remove the airhorns. Now, we will take strict action against everyone who is using them. The horns will also be removed and seized immediately. We are using a Sound Level Meter (SLM) and found that all the air horns sound more than 110 decibels. The sound limit for horns is 80 decibels," Ranganath said.

What the law says

Rule 119 of The Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 asserts that "No Motor Vehicle shall be fitted with any multi-toned horn giving, a succession of different notes or with any other sound-producing device giving an unduly horn, shrill, loud or alarming noise." The usage of sirens is also prevented, as per the rule, by motor vehicles other than Police, Fire, Transport, Ambulance, Disaster Management vehicles, etc.

In February, Telangana High Court directed police to remove the prohibited "Multi-toned horns/Sirens/Hooters and to take appropriate action in accordance with law against violators."

Additionally, Section 52 bars alteration in Motor Vehicles with those originally specified by the manufacturer.

Charge sheets:

As part of the special drive, the Hyderabad Traffic Police have removed and seized the prohibited horns along with imposing a fine of Rs 1,000. "This drive will go on till June 1. After that, we will begin charge sheeting both the driver or owner of the vehicles," Ranganath said.

He said that they are also working in tandem with the Law and Order Department to take necessary action on those who sell air horns and other unauthorized horns.

This action against noise pollution is being taken as part of the attempt to make Hyderabad a no-honking city. "The initiative was proposed by Minister KT Rama Rao. He wrote to authorities seeking interest in making Hyderabad a honking-free zone," Ranganath said.