Bus operators 'on board' with new horn regulation

The Lanka Private Bus Owners Association has called for a grace period of one month before the decision to tighten regulations against loud vehicle horns is implemented.

Association Chairman Gemunu Wijeyratne said a request in this regard was made to President Maithripala Sirisena during a meeting on Thursday.

President Sirisena had recently issued directives to the Police to strictly enforce traffic regulations, while also taking firm action against motorists who have installed vehicle horns registering louder than 105 decibels.

Accordingly directives have been issued to the Deputy Inspector General of Police of Traffic, to instruct all Police stations around the island to step up efforts in this regard.

The Head of State had also advised the Traffic DIG to launch raids to nab vehicles sporting loud melodic horns. Wijeyratne however noted the Association agreed to the implementation of the new regulations.

Gemunu Wijeyratne said that he has clearly informed the Defence Secretary that horns are used because of obstacles in the way and therefore steps must also be taken to address these obstacles.

He promised to support this initiative.

He said although two weeks has been granted he requests for that to to be extended to one month.