A DONEGAL senator has
called for on-the-spot fines for motorists who
modify their cars with noisy 'anti-social' exhausts.
Senator Cecilia Keaveney made the call as she
welcomed EU measures that will eventually see a
complete ban on modified exhaust systems. But she
said something had to be done in the meantime to
counteract the problem. “These loud noisy exhausts
not only pollute the environment but are also
extremely anti-social,” she said.
“Under the new EU rules, modified exhaust pipes will
be banned as part of a seriesof measures designed to
reduce noise pollution. "Currently the original
approved systems fitted by car manufactures are
being replaced by exhaust systems that are not
approved or are modified in order to make them
noisy." She suggested an interim role for NCT
testing centres in eradicating them.
“Before this legislation comes into effect we need
to look at ways we can stamp out the practice of
modifying car exhausts between NCT tests. "At the
moment, it’s simply not feasible for the Gardaí to
escort offenders to NCT test centres to check out
exhausts.
“I believe that extending the penalty points system
or empowering Gardai to issue on-the-spot fines
would make people think twice before modifying their
cars,” added Deputy Keaveney. |
