Helmet Mandate for Two-Wheeler Riders in Pune Deferred to January 1: Police to Focus on Awareness Campaign
Pune, 29th November 2024: Punekars have been granted temporary relief from the state traffic department’s directive to penalize two-wheeler riders and pillion riders for not wearing helmets. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar announced on Thursday that action under the revised helmet mandate will commence from January 1, following discussions with traffic authorities, social organizations, public representatives, and an awareness campaign on helmet usage.
The Traffic Department’s Additional Director General of Police had recently issued orders to all Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police across the Maharashtra state to enforce helmet rules for both riders and pillion passengers. While enforcement against helmetless riders is already in place, this directive also includes penalties for pillion riders. To accommodate the change, traffic police e-challan systems have been updated to issue fines specifically to co-passengers.
However, due to resistance from citizens and public representatives, Commissioner Amitesh Kumar clarified that enforcement in Pune will be preceded by public consultations and awareness efforts, with action beginning in the new year.
Kasba Peth MLA Hemant Rasane met with the Police Commissioner to advocate against making helmets mandatory for Pune residents, particularly in city limits. Responding to these concerns, the Commissioner highlighted that the directive primarily targets highways where the frequency of accidents is alarmingly high.
The Commissioner emphasized that the rising number of road accidents involving helmetless riders and passengers has necessitated the rule. “Our priority is to create public awareness about helmet safety before initiating action. For their own safety, two-wheeler riders and pillion riders must adopt the habit of wearing helmets,” Kumar said.
Ahead of the January 1 implementation, the Pune Police will conduct awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of helmet usage and its role in preventing severe injuries and fatalities. The initiative will involve consultations with various city stakeholders to ensure a collaborative approach.
“For safety reasons, two-wheeler riders must use helmets. We will discuss this with various stakeholders in the city and take a decision regarding the action in January”, said the Police Commissioner.
