Pune: Sound pollution is increasingly becoming a concern for Puneites given the honking by vehicles, particularly motorcycles with modified exhaust pipes. To curb the menace of noise pollution, the Pune Regional Transport (RTO) has decided to take action against the needless honking. The authority has also decided to embark on a major public outreach programme. This programme will see rallies being taken out as well as RTO officials taking action against violators.

Pune RTO BI Ajri said they hope to rope in heavy duty superbike owners to help raise awareness about the matter. “Such a rally will not only help in catching the attention of the people but also will drive home the point about needless honking,” he said. 

Superbikes with their familiar ear-splitting ‘roar’ of silencers, the RTO said can also because of pollution only if the silencers are modified by their riders. Otherwise, the company fitted bikes are compulsorily are checked by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for certification.

Ajri said violators of the sound pollution norms face a fine of Rs 2,000. Other than horns, the usual suspects are noise making silencers and other modified vehicles. “We are going to come down on noise polluters heavily,” he said. Over the weekend, the RTO is planning to man the highways to take action against speed and noise level violators. 

Along with the traffic police, the road safety week which is to start from January 11 will see RTO officials taking action against speed violators. 

“Sudden blast creates panic among other road users. It can lead to mishaps. The youths should be discouraged from indulging in such activity,” said an official.