No helmet No fuel for 2-wheeler riders: State

People riding two-wheelers will not be sold fuel unless both the rider and pillion-rider are wearing helmets. The state government has issued instructions to the traffic department that its diktat be strictly followed at all fuel pumps across the state.

Transport minister Diwakar Raote said that the traffic police has already started action in this direction and it will be fully implemented within the next 8-10 days.

Mr Raote on Thursday made a statement in both the Houses of the state legislatures informing the lawmakers about the government’s decision.

“The road safety committee appointed by the Supreme Court has demanded strict implementation of the Motor Vehicle Act. As per the act, both the persons on a two-wheeler must wear helmets. Even though wearing helmets on two-wheelers is compulsory in the state, many do not abide by it. Providing fuel to people not wearing helmets indirectly encourages them to not follow the law. Therefore the ‘no helmet, no fuel’ decision has been taken,” the minister said in the statement.

Later speaking to The Asian Age, Mr Raote said that the traffic police was already given instructions to implement ‘no helmet, no fuel’ policy and they have already started implementing it. “The police has started putting up hoardings informing people about the decision. They have also issued a circular to all fuel pumps. From August 1, the decision will be implemented everywhere in the state,” he said.

The minister also expressed concern over the tendency of motorcycle riders to avoid use of helmets. “Helmets have