Loud pipes

BEFORE a full-scale operation against loud pipes of motor vehicles may be conducted by traffic law enforcement officers, it will be best if operators of shopping centers, malls, and other commercial buildings, and officers of homeowner associations in gated subdivisions could prohibit the entry of those vehicles into their respective premises.

Of course, this should not replace full-scale enforcement by authorities.

It is good to know that the road clearing task force vice chairman and special traffic operation chairman, Atty. Ramon Tabor, a former city councilor and former overseer of the Roads and Traffic Administration, said, “This is already on the radar.” This, plus the leadership that will be provided by Engr. Nits Oclarit under whose baton the traffic aides of the RTA should toe the line, will surely reap positive results.

A parallel move may also be undertaken by other government offices and agencies in the prevention of the modification or alteration of exhaust pipes of motor vehicles. For example, smoke-belching firms should report to the RTA or the LTO any motor vehicle that is submitted for smoke smoke-belching test and have this matter noted on the smoke-belching certificate even if the vehicle passes the test.

That loud exhaust pipes are a nuisance cannot be overemphasized. Riders of motorcycles and drivers of motor vehicles seem to lack good manners and right conduct, or even deliberately neglect to observe the correct norms of conduct. They do not seem to realize or even care that they have become a nuisance to the community.

People are ready to blame the police, the RTA, and other law enforcers but the reality is that it is not that easy to apprehend these abusive drivers and riders.

Limiting the areas where they can bring their rides may be a good start.