Drivers in parts of Surrey could soon face a £100 fine for “excessive” horn honking under new proposals being considered by Tandridge District Council.
The council says it’s received multiple complaints about vehicles parking on pavements and persistent horn use around the Caterham Valley area. If the new rules are approved, motorists could be fined £100, or £60 if they pay early, for honking too often or too loudly.
The proposal forms part of a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at tackling antisocial driving behaviour. However, the exact definition of “excessive” horn use will be decided during a three-month consultation period.
Mixed Local Reaction
Opinions are split among Caterham residents. Pet shop worker Lindsey Wells, 40, called the idea “unnecessary”:
She said, "We do get a lot of honking because we are next to a roundabout. The honking fines are unnecessary - because honking is for safety. People honk to alert others to their presence. It is needed. It never bothers me; we don't really notice it."
Local business owner Paula Nicholson disagrees. She says buses and delivery vehicles blocked by poorly parked cars are the real source of the noise:
"People park in the bus stop and then the bus drivers come along and honk, honk, honk. They have blocked the whole road up before."
Others think the fines go too far. Long-time resident Jasmine Alexander, 68, argues a warning system would be fairer for first-time offenders.
Parking and Accessibility Concerns
Some residents also say recent parking changes have hurt local trade. Charity shop worker Emma Lang, 49, noted: "Since they added the parking bays I have noticed we are not getting as many donations because people find it hard to park outside.
"It was bad before, but it's much worse now. The buses sit outside and take up a lot of space."
The council has also flagged misuse of disabled bays as another issue under the proposed PSPO, with fines planned for drivers using them without blue badges.
What Happens Next
Tandridge District Council, Surrey Police and Surrey County Council will now review the proposal following a six-week consultation that closed in December 2025. The plan covers parts of Croydon Road, Godstone Road and Station Avenue - areas where pavement parking and noisy behaviour have become persistent problems.
A council spokesperson stressed that no final decision has been made yet: "Any such measures would be clearly defined, proportionate and subject to further consideration before being introduced."
