Any motorcyclist who has been startled by the blare of an air horn will have reason to celebrate in two weeks when Phnom Penh police begin a crackdown on custom car horns, sirens and exhaust pipes.

Phnom Penh City Hall announced on Friday that it will begin enforcing a ban on special horns and exhaust pipes to combat noise pollution on the capital’s congested streets.

Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng, who signed the directive, said the noise disturbs residents and negatively affects safety and order on the streets.

“Ever since I stepped into power as City Hall governor, I’ve noticed this issue,” Sreng said.

“We used to tell the traffic police to stop [violators] and educate them, but this time we are going to take legal action,” he said. However, City Hall remained unclear yesterday on what those measures would be.

Cambodian traffic law already bans the use of custom lights and horns except for priority vehicles, such as police cars or ambulances, but does not specify the punishment.

Sreng said police will also be on the lookout for local auto shops that continue to offer customisation services.

Some garage owners expressed fear that the crackdown could affect the wrong people.

Tuol Kork auto shop owner Seang Ly, 31, denied Phnom Penh garages offer such services.

“I think City Hall needs to be very careful when they check the shops, because some shops are very standard,” Ly said.