Not wearing helmets, seat belts could be costly in AP

Hyderabad, Apr 1 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Government today decided to double the fine on two-wheeler riders for not wearing helmets to Rs 100.

The GO to the effect was issued today and it will be enforced from April three. The government also decided to enforce compulsory wearing of seat belts by passengers sitting in the front seat of a four-wheeler next to the driver from the date.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently directed the state government to enforce the helmet and seat-belt rule strictly to ensure the safety of the riders.

The court has even suggested that the fine for not wearing a helmet could be as high as Rs 1,000 to act as a deterrent.

Mr A K Khan, Additional Commissioner (Traffic), told newsmen that after enquiries with other states, the government decided to impose a fine of Rs 100 for non-compliance of the helmet and seat belt rule. UNI JRK GM 1920