No reprieve for noisy bikes & rash drivers

MUMBAI: Since the launch of their SoBo campaign on Saturday to crack down on bikers riding noisy motorcycles and breaking both the speed limit and prescribed decibel levels, the Mumbai police have arrested 11 people and seized their two-wheelers, most of which are expensive imported machines. Another 130 bikers were fined under the Motor Vehicle Act.Bolstered by the success of their maiden drive to curb decibel levels emanating from “fancy motorbikes”, officials reiterated that they will continue this drive over the next few weeks.
Complaints from residents about noisy motorbikes whizzing past their homes at extremely dangerous speeds at night motivated the police to plan a structured campaign against this menace. On Saturday and Sunday night,cops in SoBo registered over a hundred cases of rash and negligent driving under the MV Act. Bikers were also pulled up for exceeding the speed limit as well as going beyond permitted decibel levels. Nakabandis were set up on Marine Drive, Malabar Hill and Girgaum Chowpattywhen bikers, mainly youth, bring out their expensive motorcycles and race each other.
“We have booked the worst offenders instead of just fining them. They will need to apply for bail as well as get a release order from the court to get their bikes back. This is going to dissuade them and others from driving rashly,” said deputy commissioner of police (Zone II), Anil Kumbhare.
Residents in some of the worst-affected areas, including Malabar Hill and Pedder Road, have welcomed this move. Many observed a noticeable difference since the campaign began, but said that for a longterm impact, the police will have to sustain this vigilance for an extended period of time. Kumbhare added that the police has written to the transport department, asking how some of these bikes, which violate noise norms, have been given licenses in the first place. “Some bikers have modified their silencers. There are others whose engines emit loud sounds when they exceed a certain speed. We are awaiting a response from the RTO.”
Honorary secretary of the Malabar Hill Resident Association, Indrani Malkhani, said the noise made by bikers as well as cars is a constant nuisance.
“The past two days have been peaceful. Otherwise we are disturbed by the sound of a bike or car whizzing by. Many heart patients and senior citizens have complained about the traumatic effect this has on them,” said Malkhani, adding that she isn’t against people owning bikes. “Owners can use the highways instead of residential areas.”
But the menace continues unabated in the suburbs say those living in Bandra and Andheri. The police should extend the drive to the suburbs, too, say residents.