The Coimbatore City Police seized a total of 332 modified silencers from motorcycles and cars during a special drive to control noise pollution caused by such exhaust systems in violation of motor vehicle norms.

City Police Commissioner N. Kannan said a week-long special drive was conducted across the city to curb the use of modified silencers.

“The drive was launched after receiving multiple complaints regarding noise pollution caused by modified exhaust systems in two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The police will continue to take action against violators,” he said.

According to him, use of such exhaust systems, replacing the original silencers, is a violation of Section 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicles Act.

As per the Section, any person who drives or causes or allows to be driven in any public place a motor vehicle that violates the standards prescribed in relation to road safety, control of noise and air pollution shall be punishable for the first offence with a fine of ₹1,000 and for any second or subsequent offence with a fine of ₹2,000.

Mr. Kannan said that cases have been registered against owners of vehicles that were found with unauthorised and noise-generating silencers during the special drive.

“The police are also in the efforts to trace mechanics who fit such unauthorised silencers in vehicles. The public can report to the police if they come across the use of modified silencers in Coimbatore city,” he said.