This New Year day, horn's not OK in Delhi

Wednesday, December 17, 2008
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com


Horn please? No way. If you think needless and ceaseless honking is ingrained in the DNA of every Delhiite who sits behind the wheel,
you could be in for a pleasant surprise this New Year day. January 1 will be observed by the traffic police as No Honking Day in the capital.

And, by the sound of it, this is not going to be just a token gesture of good intent. As part of the drive, taxi, auto and Blueline drivers will be educated at length on the ills of honking without purpose. Road shows will be held at important intersections, where the problem is acute.

Police officials say honking is one of the major contributors towards road rage in the capital. The decibel levels on Delhi roads are way higher than the safe limit of about 60 dbs, posing a major threat to public health and well-being.

‘‘We are going to talk to each driver and tell them about the health problems caused by horns and the resultant noise pollution. When the driver
is convinced, a sticker about the no-honking campaign will be pasted on his vehicle,’’ said Ravi Kalra, founder president of The Earth Savers Foundation, the NGO behind the initiative.

Former Joint CP (traffic) Maxwell Pereira, who was instrumental in banning honking at intersections in the city in 2002, has also lent support to the cause.