Vizag witness 'Helmet Rush'

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

Visakhapatnam, Mar 8 (UNI) With just a day left for implementation of High Court orders on compulsory use of helmets, the city witnessed a mad rush for purchase of the headgear as two-wheeler owners thronged every shop that sold helmets.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court in its order last month had set March nine as deadline for compulsory use of helmets, seat belts by car drivers and front seat users and a strict ban on use of mobile phones while driving or riding a vehicle.

Helmetless ride would now attract a fine of Rs 50 for first time offence which would go up to Rs 200 for repeated offences. Driving without seat belt would attract a fine of Rs 300 and speaking on cell phone on the move would attract a harsher penalty of Rs 500.

There are not enough stocks for the more than 1.75 lakh two-wheeler riders in the city and by today afternoon many major shopping malls had put-up 'Helmet No Stock' boards though they were available in other outlets. Helmets with ISI mark are being sold for a price ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1000.

According to sources in the transport department only about 30 per cent of people owning scooters or motorcycles possessed helmets and the present stock available in the market was not more than 30,000. ''Traders have informed us that more stocks would be procured from outside the state and the shortage would ease out in a few days time,'' an official said.

Both people and traders were uncertain till yesterday whether the rule would be implemented with any seriousness by the authorities.

While traders feared that if they stocked huge number of helmets and if the rule was not implemented with seriousness, it would lead to dead capital, while people were still hoping that they can ride their vehicles without the 'botheration' of strapping a helmet.

But once the officials in transport department and police announced that wearing of helmet would be compulsory from tomorrow and the offenders would have to pay fine, they realised the urgency of the moment.

Deputy Commissioner of Police V Ravinder said the court orders would be implemented in toto and the police had launched a special campaign during the last two months urging people owning two-wheelers to buy helmets. ''This phenomenon of last time rush is quite common. We feel nearly 40 per cent of people have bought helmets but are not using them at present. Things are expected to settle down in a week's time, he opined.

UNI RS ROY SHR BD1701

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