No impact of ban on honking
Friday, 7 September 2007
THE Dhaka Metropolitan Police banned honking in some of the city's busy streets a few months ago. It was imposed with an expectation that the level of noise pollution in the city would reduce to some extent. The roads on which honking was banned included Mohakhali, Shahbagh, Dhaka University campus, Kakrail and Bailey Road.
However, honking by motor vehicles passing through the roads in question has been going on. Initially, it was learnt from media reports that a good number of vehicles were fined every day for violating the ban. We do not see such reports on police action anymore these days.
Honking without any valid reason is considered as most ungenerous attitude on the part of the motor vehicle drivers in most countries. But it is considered very normal practice in our country. Car drivers often claim that one cannot drive through Dhaka streets without honking because all are very much prone to violating traffic rules here.
It has now become necessary to make the driver community aware of the impact on honking/noise pollution. Particularly, they have to be made aware of the consequences of violating traffic rules. Mass media also has to play major role in this regard.
Mohiuddin Chowdhury
Moghbazar, Dhaka
However, honking by motor vehicles passing through the roads in question has been going on. Initially, it was learnt from media reports that a good number of vehicles were fined every day for violating the ban. We do not see such reports on police action anymore these days.
Honking without any valid reason is considered as most ungenerous attitude on the part of the motor vehicle drivers in most countries. But it is considered very normal practice in our country. Car drivers often claim that one cannot drive through Dhaka streets without honking because all are very much prone to violating traffic rules here.
It has now become necessary to make the driver community aware of the impact on honking/noise pollution. Particularly, they have to be made aware of the consequences of violating traffic rules. Mass media also has to play major role in this regard.
Mohiuddin Chowdhury
Moghbazar, Dhaka