TN police cracks down on helmet rule violators

Chennai, Aug 19 (UNI) After showing 'short-term' leniency, the city traffic police have started enforcing helmet rule for two-wheeler riders.

The traffic police had booked a whopping 30,000 cases of violation in the city from June till date, making its intentions clear to motorists.

A spot fine of Rs 100 was imposed, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sunil Kumar said.

''Besides, we have installed eight CCTV cameras to crack down on violators,'' he added.

Mr Kumar said the police would also act tough against road-users using mobile phone and music instruments like iPods while driving.

''The law prevents use of mobile phone while driving and using a headset is no exception,'' he said.

The helmet rule came into effect in six corporation areas on June one and in the rest of the state on July one.

Days after the rule came into force, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said people should not be harassed in the name of enforcing the rule. Many two-wheeler riders started disregarding the rule.

Recently, Madras High Court sought explanation from the government as to why the order, making helmets compulsory for two-wheeler riders in Tamil Nadu, was not being implemented in letter and spirit.

The court also expressed displeasure at the dilution of the order, and observed the government could instead withdraw the whole order.

UNI