City's traffic management needs to be improved'

Mumbai: Scientists have stated that Mumbai’s traffic must be better managed in order to curb noise pollution, and the ways to curb it should be made mandatory in order to obtain or renew a driving licence.

According to the noise mapping carried by National Environme-ntal Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) out in Mumbai, noise levels were higher during night hours as well as on non-working days. “When one is in a traffic jam, how can one get away by honking? People need to understand this and be patient. There is a need for behavioural changes such as no honking unless needed and an increase in the use of public transport. This will not only reduce noise pollution but also air pollution significantly,” said Dr Ritesh Vijay principal scientist, Centre for Strategic Urban Management, NEERI.

To curb the soaring noise levels in the city, NEERI has recommended few suggestions including judicious use of public address system and loud music, and dynamic timings of traffic signals.

“During peak hours also, our traffic signals system are static, which gives vehicles just 30 seconds to move and some of them are left behind.  So in such scenarios, timings for red, yellow and green signals should be changed based on heavy traffic,” said Dr Vijay

“Drivers should be sensitised about noise pollution and even during interviews for driving licences, their knowledge on driving behaviour should be examined. There should be an inbuilt daily limit for honking in vehicles after which the horn stops working for the day,” said Dr Vijay.