Dialogue About Sound Pollution

Two friends discuss construction noise and vehicle horns, and what can realistically be changed.

A dialogue between Mahi and Lamia

Mahi: Lamia, you look as though you have not slept.

Lamia: I have not, really. There is construction next to our building and it starts at six.

Mahi: Is that allowed so early?

Lamia: I do not think so, but nobody stops it. And then the road takes over from the drills.

Mahi: The horns are the worst part for me. Drivers press them for no reason at all.

Lamia: Out of habit, mostly. Many press the horn as they approach a crossing whether or not anything is in the way.

Mahi: Does it actually harm us, or is it only unpleasant?

Lamia: It harms. Continuous noise raises blood pressure, disturbs sleep and affects children's concentration at school.

Mahi: I did not know it reached that far.

Lamia: Doctors say long exposure can damage hearing permanently, and traffic police are among the worst affected.

Mahi: There are silent zones marked near hospitals, are there not?

Lamia: There are, and they are ignored. A rule without enforcement changes nothing.

Mahi: So what would actually work?

Lamia: Fines that are collected, and a habit of not using the horn. The second is ours to change.

Mahi: Then let us begin by asking our own drivers not to. It is a small thing but it is something.