Kochi: The state government would take all measures to enforce the helmet rule and ensure that by the end of this month, all motorcyclists wear headgears while riding, Transport Minister A.K. Saseendran said on Monday. He was launching the statewide campaign ‘Wear helmet, get petrol-be safe’ jointly implemented by the Motor Vehicles Department and the Kerala Road Safety Authority.
“Currently, 85 per cent of the two-wheel riders are complying with the helmet rule. The aim is to ensure cent per cent compliance. The awareness campaign is part of the attempt. However, any situation where the riders get into conflict with pump owners over fuel filling should be avoided,” the minister said.
Initially, the MVD was set to strictly prevent the sale of fuel from petrol bunks to two-wheel riders without helmets from Monday. However, the enforcement was delayed by two more weeks following protests. “Once the campaign ends, we’ll start taking punitive action, mainly levying of fine for offences like riding without wearing seatbelts and helmets. However, the same will be done only after providing one-day counselling to the offenders,” he said.
Transport Commissioner Tomin J. Thachankary said the department in tie-up with petrol pump owners will implement a lucky draw contest as part of the campaign. Coupons will be provided to motorcyclists arriving at petrol pumps wearing helmets. The first prize winner will be provided five litres of petrol free and two second prize winners will get three litres free and three third prize winners will get two litres free. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Petroleum Dealers Association said they won’t refuse fuel to helmetless riders though they will fully co-operate with the awareness programmes.
