Acting on directions from the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court, the transport department has launched a crackdown in the state capital against vehicles fitted with modified silencers, hooters and multi-toned horns. Thirty-three vehicles were challaned and nine seized in just two days of enforcement.
The drive, which began on Friday, is being carried out jointly by the transport department and traffic police following strict observations by the high court in a public interest litigation over rising noise pollution caused by such devices.
Most of the vehicles penalised so far are Bullet motorcycles fitted with illegal modified silencers that generate high-decibel noise, according to assistant regional transport Officer (Lucknow) Pradeep Singh.
Authorities said enforcement action will continue in the coming days alongside a public awareness campaign.
As part of the drive, around 20 spare parts shop owners in Lalbagh have been served notices and informed about legal provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act. They have also been asked to attend a meeting on April 20 at the RTO office in Transport Nagar.
Officials said the department is also planning to install hoardings at key locations and distribute pamphlets to sensitise vehicle owners and vendors about the rules.
Under Section 182A(3) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, selling or installing modified silencers, hooters or multi-toned horns can attract up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. Vehicle owners using such modifications can face a fine of ₹5,000 under Section 182A(4), and an additional penalty of ₹10,000 under Section 190(2) for causing noise pollution.
The transport department has urged vehicle owners, shopkeepers and garage operators to strictly follow the court’s directions and refrain from selling, installing or using such illegal modifications.
Photo Caption: Drive being carried out jointly by the transport department and traffic police in Lalbagh. (Photo courtesy Transport Department)
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