Police say honking highest at traffic junctions in south, central Delhi

NEW DELHI: As many as 472 drivers were challaned on Monday for honking in no-honking zones. Police identified 56 traffic junctions to conduct their campaign against honking. They also said that a separate drive to crack down on pressure horns was also started a month ago.

Police said incessant honking was the biggest source of noise pollution at those stretches. So they set up three-member teams to challan drivers honking too much.

Senior officers said honking was the highest at traffic junctions mainly in south and central Delhi and almost all of these were on the Ring Road and Outer Ring Road. Even no-honking zones near schools and hospitals weren't spared by drivers. "We launched the drive to make the people more aware about the existing laws," said special commissioner (traffic) Sandeep Goel.

Officers said it was impossible to detect a car honking too much when the traffic volume is quite high. Checks are conducted only if there are specific complaints about specific vehicles.

Also, violations invite only Rs 100 as penalty, which can go up to a maximum of Rs 300. Last year, 1,562 drivers were booked for honking in no-honking zones. Police say the punishment is too light to act as a deterrent.

In 2011, police had suggested surprise checks in noisy areas identified by CPCB. Concerted drives had been launched around Meena Bazar in Jama Masjid, Anand Vihar ISBT and Sangam Vihar bus stop.