🚗📢💷In the latest episode of Creative Ways to Balance the Books, ordinary motorists are discovering that pressing a horn — that humble, squeaky little safety device — could cost them up to £500.
Yes. The horn. The thing literally installed to prevent accidents.
Across the country, councils have introduced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to curb disruptive “boy racer” meets — screeching tyres, revving engines, bass lines that rattle kitchen cupboards.
Fair enough, many would say.
But now at least 39 local authorities are reportedly using those same powers to penalise everyday drivers for honking. 🚨
And just like that, the safety feature on the common old motor car becomes a potential revenue stream.
🚦 From Boy Racers to Brenda in a Nissan Micra
The original target? Noisy car meets clogging retail parks at midnight.
The new reality? A driver warning a pedestrian drifting into the road… and wondering if they’ve just funded a flower bed refurbishment.
Councils argue the restrictions are about “anti-social behaviour.” Campaigners call it “classic overreach.”
Because once a power exists, it rarely stays neatly boxed.
It expands.
First it’s revving.
Then it’s racing.
Then it’s… two short beeps outside a mate’s house.
And somewhere between public safety and public silence, the line blurs.
Let’s be clear: nobody is defending 2am engine symphonies outside suburban cul-de-sacs.
But fining motorists for using a horn — a legally required safety device — feels like charging people for pulling a fire alarm during a fire.
If town halls can’t squeeze funds from parking bays, congestion zones, or bus lanes, is it really such a leap to squeeze it from the steering wheel?
It’s hard not to notice a pattern.
When budgets tighten, the motorist loosens their wallet. 💸
🔥 Challenges 🔥
Is this sensible enforcement — or stealth taxation by soundwave?
Where does nuisance end and normal road use begin?
And if honking becomes punishable, what’s next — aggressive indicator use?
Head to the blog comments and sound off (while you still can). 💬📢
👇 Comment. Like. Share.
The sharpest, loudest (legally compliant) takes will be featured in the next issue of the magazine. 📝✨
Chameleon Magazine 
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