No action against helmet rule violation in Pune, may be made mandatory in January: Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar

Pune: The Puneites have got respite from the State Government’s order to act against two-wheeler riders as well as pillion riders if they do not wear helmets. Its strict implementation may start in January after various departments related to traffic in the city, social organisations and people’s representatives discuss the issue and spread awareness about it, said Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar.

The said order was issued by the Additional DGP to all commissioners of police and superintendents of police in the State. Till now, action was taken only against two-wheeler riders without helmet. However, a pillion rider not wearing the helmet will also invite action. This was stated in a letter issued by the DGP.

Action was started at some places. It was opposed by many people. Therefore, a decision will be taken in January after discussing the issue with social organisations and government agencies, said CP Amitesh Kumar.

MLA Hemant Rasane met the CP and requested him not to implement the mandatory rule. The CP told him that the order was issued to curb a rising number of two-wheeler accidents on highways.

Focus on spreading awareness

CP Amitesh Kumar said, “The number of deaths of two-wheeler and pillion riders have risen. Therefore, the mandatory helmet rule has been implemented in the State. However, some two-wheeler riders are still not using helmets. They should use the helmet for their own safety. We will focus on spreading awareness.

“Two-wheeler riders need to wear helmet. We will spread awareness about the issue in the city. We will decide in January after holding discussions with various stake-holders.”