LUCKNOW, April 19 -- Acting on directions from the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court, the transport department has launched a crackdown in the state capital against vehicles fitted with modified silencers, hooters and multi-toned horns. Thirty-three vehicles were challaned and nine seized in two days of enforcement. The drive, which began on Friday is being carried out jointly by the transport department and traffic police following strict observations by the high court in a public interest litigation over rising noise pollution caused by such devices. Most of the vehicles penalised so far are motorcycles fitted with illegal modified silencers that generate high-decibel noise, according to assistant regional transport officer (Lucknow) Pradeep Singh. Authorities said enforcement action will continue in the coming days alongside a public awareness campaign. As part of the drive, around 20 spare parts shop owners in Lalbagh have been served notices and informed about legal provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act. They have also been asked to attend a meeting scheduled for April 20 at the RTO office in the state capital's Transport Nagar. Officials said the department is also planning to install hoardings at key locations and distribute pamphlets to sensitise vehicle owners and vendors about the rules. Under Section 182A(3) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, selling or installing modified silencers, hooters or multi-toned horns can attract up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs.1 lakh. Vehicle owners using such modifications can face a fine of Rs.5,000 under Section 182A(4), and an additional penalty of Rs.10,000 under Section 190(2) for causing noise pollution. For its part, the transport department has urged vehicle owners, shopkeepers and garage operators to strictly follow the court's directions and refrain from selling, installing or using such illegal modifications....