Anti-honking drive reaches Mantralaya on Monday

The transport department's campaign against honking, Horn Not OK Please, received a boost on Monday when the Mantralaya's officials, staff and visitors participated in a signature campaign and resolved not to honk.

The campaign, which began on December 5, 2017, has witnessed the department creating awareness in schools, colleges, on the streets, and social media about road safety, etiquette and reducing honking. So far, more than 3.5 lakh people have pledged not to honk and over two lakh 'no honking' stickers have been pasted on government and private vehicles to give the campaign more visibility.

As a part of the campaign, 300 officials from the transport department and its well-wishers participated in the Dream Run of the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2018 held on Sunday. Dressed in bright yellow attire, the contingent was the largest and most eye-catching in the run. Many officials even ran the Full and Half marathons in support of the cause.

The campaign's main aim is to bring about a change in social behaviour regarding honking through awareness, counselling and voluntary participation in the drive. Citizens can join the initiative by following @hornnotokpls on Twitter and Facebook.

Bharat Ratna Dr CNR Rao, Scientific Advisor to the prime minister wrote to the state transport department in support of its unique and socially relevant campaign. According to an official, over 100 celebrities and public figures have extended their support to the campaign via audio recorded messages which have been uploaded to the campaign's social media profiles. After seeing the massive response, the government plans to widen its scope in order to inculcate better traffic etiquette in motorists and promote road safety.

• Ambient sound level safe for human habitation is below 55 dB (decibels)
   
• Long exposure to sound levels above 55 dB causes several medical and psychological conditions
   
• Almost 65 per cent of the noise pollution in cities comes from the transport sector
   
• 70 per cent of this noise pollution is contributed by honking alone