Bangaloreans allergic to the tremendous noise levels on the City roads caused by autos can hope for lower decibel levels in future, thanks to new equipment introduced recently at all the ten regional transport offices (RTOs).

This handy device goes by the name of ‘Sound level meter’ and this fool-proof device has been bought from Hyderabad. It is being used by motor vehicle inspectors at a few RTOs the past two weeks before issuing fitness certificates for three-wheelers and four-wheelers.

Yeshwantpur has begun tests on autos and heavy vehicles using this equipment. N Eshwar, motor vehicle inspector at Yeshwantpur RTO, said, “ All that we have to do is to hold it in our hand when the vehicle is started. Autorickshaws that cross 85 decibels are not issued the fitness certificate.”

This certificate has to be mandatorily reviewed once a year by autos if they want to ply on the streets. The usage of a an equipment is permitted as per the provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 but it is being introduced only now.

“The noise level being checked is the overall noise produced by an auto and not just the sound made by honking. An auto when being driven is capable of producing noise levels equivalent to four to five buses since it has an air-cooled, two-stroke engine,” the inspector added.

On an average, 65 fitness certificates were issued by this RTO on a daily basis earlier. Following the introduction of the equipment, it has come down to 40 FCs a day, he said. “Judgment regarding noise levels was made only by human sense but this device has made our judgment professional,” he added. “This is a major step to control noise levels taken by the department,” said Yeshwantpur Regional Transport Officer C T Murthy.

Sukumar an autorickshaw driver who came for the certificate was rejected an FC due to the noise levels emanating from his vehicle, thanks to this equipment. 

Elaborating on the equipment, RTO, Jayanagar, Syed Shafi Ahmed said, “We find it very useful. We used to tell autorickshaw drivers earlier that the vehicle was emitting noise but now we can show them how noisy it is with proof on our hands. It can be compared to a thermometer which is used to assess the exact temperature of patients.”

We have also requested the government to give us a printer. “When it comes to enforcement or court-related matters, any printed matter will be useful as evidence,” he added.

Indiranagar RTO Krishna Reddy said, “We have the equipment but are not using it right now since our officers have not yet been trained on its usage. The training is expected to take place shortly and once it is through, we will start using it.”