A total of 37 "No honking" traffic signs?are put up along 35 roads in the downtown area in Pingtan. [Photo/english.pingtan.gov]

Pingtan county in Fujian province has intensified its restrictions on road noise.

A total of 37 "No honking" traffic signs were put up along 35 roads in the downtown area on March 21.

In addition, two signs limiting passing of trucks at specified times were also raised near Qiangxing Middle School.

The move has won praise from local residents, who have been complaining about the noise.

"Too much honking in the urban district is serious noise pollution and unethical behavior," said Zhou Mushui, a driver. But he added that sometimes honking is needed to send a message to those who don't respect traffic rules.

Another driver, Chen, complained that many bus drivers are inclined to sound their horns, which may scare people and impact road safety. He suggests the authorities should keep an eye on that.

Some residents do not think the no-honking signs will do much, as honking has become a habit for many drivers.

Only if the traffic police enhance monitoring on the roads and increase the penalty can the noise pollution be alleviated, said driver Zhang.

And that is exactly what police plan to do.

"We will follow up on the traffic situation after installation of those traffic signs, and make it an important part of our road patrol missions," said Wu Lang, a traffic police officer.

He added that those who sound their horns in restricted zones could be fined up to 150 yuan ($24) and deducted 3 points from their driving record.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Nelly Min