The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Helmet rule aimed at safe driving: Minister

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 16, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Helmet rule aimed at safe driving: Minister

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, SEPT. 15. The Transport Minister, S. Santosh Reddy, on Wednesday said that while police and transport officials would be strict in enforcing the helmet rule when it comes into effect from November 3.

However, there would be no harassment, he said. "Our priority is to spread awareness. We will also work on inculcating safe driving habits."

In twin cities first

He said the rule would be enforced in the twin cities first. In Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, it would be enforced a few days later. Based on the response, it would be enforced all over the State. The rule would initially apply only to drivers and not to pillion-riders.

The Minister dismissed apprehensions about the availability of helmets in the market. He said the Transport Commissioner, C.R. Biswal, and Additional Commissioner of Police, Tejdeep Kaur Menon, were in touch with traders and manufacturers.

Mr. Reddy said it was true that traders of helmets had burnt their fingers earlier, but this time, it would not be so. "Our figures indicate that about 30 per cent of over 10 lakh two-wheeler riders possess helmets", he said.

Sale through RTA?

Mr. Biswal said they were looking at supply/sale of helmets through Road Transport Authority offices here. Ms. Tejdeep said she had convened a meet with traders to pre-empt hoarding or black marketing of helmets as the deadline drew closer.

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