Sources from the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau said starting
on Sunday, horns will be strictly banned within the Fifth Ring Road
of Beijing. Anyone who violates the regulation will be fined as
much as 100 yuan (US$13).
According to a Beijing Morning Post report, this is the
second time the Chinese capital has expanded its horn prohibition
area.
Zhang Jicai, a traffic police officer from southern Fengtai
District, said Beijing issued a no-horn regulation within the
Fourth Ring Road in 2001. At that time, the Fourth Ring Road had
just come into operation.
Since then, most of the area between the Fourth and Fifth Ring
Roads has urbanized, with a number of residential communities
established within. Zhang said residents in the area need a quiet
environment. To achieve this, the bureau revised the current
regulation.
Zhang added the implementation of the new rule needs time
because some drivers still don't know how to use horns
properly.
Drivers can use their horns to warn pedestrians or other drivers
of possible trouble or to avoid accidents. However, some drivers
honk their horns to express anger or complain about other drivers'
mistakes or to urge slower drivers to move faster. Some horns
installed on heavy vehicles can make loud and irritating
noises.
Zhang said the way a driver uses his or her horn reflects his or
her personal civility. The traffic bureau will hold some
promotional activities to publicize the new rule.
(CRI April 11, 2007)