Petition to silence noisy Yeng Yeng bikes launched
This move has been exacerbated since the influx of the popular Yeng Yeng bikes.
A petition launched on July 20 is calling on the government to create a Muffler Act similarly to what exists in the Philippines.
Here on the island Yeng Yeng bikes are widely regarded as noise nuisance due to modifications to the exhaust system by the owner. This includes the removal of the original stock muffler or alterations done to the silencer, which significantly amplifies the loudness of the sound pressure from the bike.
“It is easy to spot because the false-muffler never matches the bikes original colour,” a section of the petition read in part regarding bikes with modified muffler.
These modifications are in contravention of the country’s Noise Abatement Act and Road Traffic Act, the petitioners argued.
“The Muffler Act in the Philippines directly addresses this noise pollution from bikes and cars,” they said.
“We do not necessarily need a new law we can enforce the existing laws as these bikes emit noises that stretch well beyond 100 metres, as prescribed by law. Just one of these bikes traveling at midnight will wake up the elderly, babies and the resting workforce.”
In an apparent response to this latest petition against motorbikes, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said it has taken note of the concerns expressed.
In a tweet the constabulary said it has “significantly increased enforcement of the law” governing the Road Traffic Act “in a bid to preserve order on our roads and help reduce road fatalities”.
It noted however, that: “In spite of a significant increase in both enforcement and public education campaigns there’s been an increase in road fatalities this year and motorcyclists feature prominently in national statistics. While we - as your police - continue to play our part, the society must never lose sight of personal responsibility,” it stated.
It is not the first time a petition in Jamaica has been launched targeting Yeng Yeng bikes.
In September 2020 citizens lobbied the government to ban the importation of the motorcycles, as they were said to be the main mode of transport of criminals in carrying out serious crimes like murder, robberies and drive-by shootings.
But the request failed to gather the minimum 15,000 signatures for official consideration by the state.
The Bike Muffler Act petition closes August 29, 2021.
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