The Central Environment Authority (CEA) is to purchase 100 noise level monitoring meters at a cost of Rs.30 million to check vehicle horn noises after regulations are passed in Parliament this week.
The units, one costing about Rs.300,000, are to be distributed to the Police and Motor Traffic Department - the implementing bodies.
Central Environment Authority (CEA) Chairman Charitha Herath said, once the Motor Traffic Act is amended adding the new legal provisions of noise pollution, implementation will take place.
According to the Gazette, vehicle horn noise should not exceed 105 decibels at a distance of two (2) metres and 93 decibels at a distance of seven (7) metres. Horns will be tested at 7 metre and 2 metre distances.
He said violation of this regulation will be coming under minor offences and the fine would range between Rs.500 and Rs.2500.
Motor Traffic Commissioner General S.H.Harischandra said the Gazette issued by the Motor Traffic Department will be submitted to Parliament and be implemented within a month’s time.
“During this period, the CEA will be ordering the first lot of 100 noise level monitoring meters. Once the regulations are implemented the Motor Traffic Department and Police will purchase equipment mainly from China,” Mr. Harischandra said. The CEA gazetted the laws to prevent vehicle noise pollution last December. Meanwhile, regulations relating to community noises, that caused a controversy, are still at discussion level. |
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