JUSTICE Navindra Singh yesterday held six of seven drivers in contempt for honking their horns in the silent zone areas of the High Court and Magistrates’ Court which had caused disruptions in both courts. Seven drivers were ushered into court in the afternoon and told of the particulars of the traffic violations. They were also given a chance to respond.
Only one driver escaped a penalty. Justice Singh gave him the benefit of the doubt based on his explanation for honking his horn in the environs of the courts.

The others, all men, were fined between $5,000 and $7,500 to be paid within seven days or they face imprisonment.

Of the lot, one driver was unlicensed and was escorted to Brickdam Police station where he will face other charges. Another driver said he was in the Magistrate’s Court and was unaware that his alarm was going off for 45 minutes.
On Wednesday, 15 drivers were held in contempt by Justice Singh and fined varying amounts, not exceeding $5,000.

The noise nuisance campaign will continue on Monday where officers will be strategically placed on Avenue of the Republic, Croal Street and South Road.

The judge noted that such traffic offences were usually dealt with at the Magistrate’s Court but there were other legal means by which persons in default could be sanctioned for essentially minimal traffic offences.
It is universal knowledge that drivers cannot sound their horns around quiet zones such as the hospitals and courts since this can result in disruption of the work being done there. (Michel Outridge)