"Please Reduce the Delivery Motorcycle Noise" [A Reporter Visits]

Increase in Delivery Orders Due to COVID-19 Impact
Motorcycle Noise Persists... Residents' Complaints Continue

Reference photo. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] # Mr. A, a man in his 30s who works in an office, finds it difficult to get proper rest due to the noise from delivery motorcycles. He said, "It's not just once or twice, but the continuous motorcycle noise keeps me from sleeping well," and added, "I hope everyone drives carefully for each other's sake." He emphasized, "Especially at night, I wish they would drive more quietly."

As the number of delivery orders has increased due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), complaints from residents about motorcycle noise have also risen. The issue is not just a one-time noise but the continuous noise from motorcycles due to ongoing delivery orders.

In fact, delivery orders are increasing. Baedal Minjok reported that orders from March 2 to 15 increased by 9.1% compared to the same period last month. Although Yogiyo did not disclose total order numbers, it stated that convenience store delivery orders increased by 27% from February 10 to March 8 compared to the previous month.

The problem is that as delivery volumes increase, complaints from residents about motorcycle noise are also mounting.

Some delivery workers do not even turn off their engines when delivering to the first floor. The noise from idling engines combined with other motorcycle noises amplifies the loud sound, leading to complaints.

Moreover, some delivery workers illegally modify their mufflers, producing not just noise but actual loud roaring sounds, which annoy residents.

Mr. B, a man in his 30s who complained about losing sleep on weekends due to delivery motorcycle noise, said, "It doesn't seem to matter whether it's the first or second floor," and added, "The 'vroom vroom' sound just makes me nervous." He continued, "It would be fine if it happened once or twice, but maybe because of COVID-19, many people are ordering food. The noise repeats as much as that."

Another resident, Mr. C in his 40s, said, "My floor is somewhat low, so I am completely exposed to the noise," and added, "Not only the motorcycle noise but also the conversations of delivery workers can be heard clearly." He urged, "I hope they would be a little more careful if possible."

Reference photo. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The usual noise standard for motorcycles is 105 decibels (dB). However, illegally modified motorcycles caught by the police in July 2018 recorded noise levels of 119 decibels. Considering that airplanes generate about 120 decibels during takeoff, this is at a roaring noise level.

As a result, some areas have sent official requests to delivery agencies to prohibit the use of illegally modified motorcycles and have hung banners at major locations within their jurisdiction to intensively crack down on motorcycle noise. Additionally, police and citizens jointly conduct crackdowns on noise-causing motorcycles.

In an apartment complex in Seoul, there is even a notice at the main gate banning motorcycle entry. However, since most delivery motorcycle drivers work for their livelihood, there are opinions that strict crackdowns are difficult.

An apartment security guard explained, "We will crack down on motorcycles that cause loud noise, but it is ambiguous to regulate the unavoidable noise from motorcycles." He added, "These people are not deliberately making noise by riding motorcycles; it happens because they need to make a living, so it's hard to say anything. However, since the delivery volume is high, the noise never stops, so I think this part needs some improvement."

Also, an official from a district office said, "Most delivery motorcycles are privately owned and receive orders on-site without going to an office, so there are limits to checking for illegal muffler modifications," and explained, "We are strengthening patrols for crackdowns and guidance in response to residents' complaints." He emphasized, "We will conduct practical crackdowns that satisfy the residents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.