Motor Vehicles Department conducts helmet drive at petrol pumps in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: Amidst pessimism, MVD officials conducted helmet awareness sessions at petrol pumps across the city as a part of ‘wear helmet, get petrol, be safe’. Once the project is implemented in August mid-week, petrol will be available for only riders wearing a helmet. Sessions in Thiruvananthapuram started at the petrol pump at Bakery junction with an aim to avoid a scuffle between riders and pump owners once the scheme began.

However, both riders and pump owners expressed displeasure regarding the programme. “What if my helmet gets stolen or I had to step out without a helmet for emergency situations. This action explains that officials are unable to effectively find and fine those who flout helmet rules on the road. Also, the issue these days is people not wearing helmet but keeping them on hand. Such offenders will go “scotfree because at the end of the day they also are valuable consumers of petrol,” said Akhil Mohan, a biker.