Vijayawada: Vijayawada city police and transport department are gearing up for the implementation of compulsory helmet rule from Friday as per the directions of the state government.
The city police and district officials have been trying to create awareness among people for the past 10 days. Now, they would be punishing anyone violating the rule and failing to wear helmet and seat belts.
The state government, considering the increasing deaths in road accidents involving two-wheelers, decided to make it compulsory for the riders to wear helmet across the state. The announcement of the implementation date was made a month earlier.
There were special awareness camps conducted by the transport and police departments. “Wearing helmet is for safety of motorists and it is compulsory as per the Motor Vehicle Act (MVI). Wearing seat belt while travelling in a four-wheeler has also been made mandatory. Motorists who failed to wear helmets will be fined Rs100 for the first time and a fine plus awareness session, if caught for a second time. If the driver is caught without a helmet for the third time, his or her driving licence will be cancelled,” said deputy transport commissioner Meera Prasad.
“Wearing helmet is compulsory for every one as per the directions of the state government. No excuses by anyone will be accepted. Even police officers not wearing a helmet will be fined if caught red-handed,” said joint commissioner of police B.V. Ramana Kumar.
Meanwhile, automobile stores in the city recorded a big boost in the sale of helmets on Thursday with their prices ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 2,000 in the market. Those with ISI mark and special grading are in high demand.
Taking advantage of the situation, some of the sellers have increased the cost by 30 per cent. However, citizens criticised police for implementing the rule suddenly.
