Comment on "China issues guideline to create quieter environment" (China Daily website, Jan 25)

Issuing a guideline to create a quieter atmosphere is a step in the right direction to reduce noise pollution. But I fear that it may not be enough to reduce noise created by excessive car honking.

In Shanghai, many drivers use their horns as a weapon, thinking creating a din will help them get through traffic faster. I was returning home in a taxi a couple of nights ago and counted that the driver used the horn at least 30 times in 10 minutes.

If reducing this kind of noise pollution is to be taken seriously, then a proper education system followed by substantial fines for violating rules need to be in place.

Garth Collins, on China Daily website

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