Honking becoming a major irritant in Shillong city

A Reporter

SHILLONG: Residents of the city including pedestrians are an irritated bunch due to “excessive” honking in the city.

Many residents of Shillong while speaking to this scribe has urged the Traffic department to at least check and monitor the sound of the horns as it creates noise pollution.

“Some drivers even when they see that there is a traffic jam, they would still honk and this is something which is not understandable. Maybe they need to be fined or educated on traffic rules and regulations,” a woman who didn’t want to disclose her name said. She further said that in her locality when the municipal truck comes to collect garbage, most of the vehicles would honk despite witnessing people clearing their garbage and this is unacceptable. “The traffic police should take note of these things as it is irritating and create noise pollution,” she said.

Another resident of Shillong said that most people spend a considerable amount of money in getting their horns modified to attract unnecessary attention. These modified horns are above the permissible decibel levels.

“For those at the receiving end of this unnecessary noise pollution, it’s a harrowing time on the roads,” he said. He says he has also caught youngsters who resort to modifying not just horns but also the silencer of their vehicle.

“We have not only caught people using multi-tone horns but also meddling with the silencer to make it louder,” he says.

A lady from Mission Compound said, “I use my fingertips to close my ears. It has become such a pain travelling on the road, especially if you are driving a two wheeler or taking a rickshaw.”

Stating that horns have been placed inside cars so that drivers can alert pedestrians and other travellers in case of any danger, she said. “But horns today seem to be an indication of our inflated egos and an expression of anger and impatience.”

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