Kolkata now has a strict ‘No helmet, no petrol’ rule
A lady rides pillion on a bike without wearing helmet in New Delhi on Aug 29, 2014. The Delhi government has issued a notification making wearing of helmets mandatory for women with immediate effect. (Photo: IANS)
After Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her concern over motorists riding without helmets, the Kolkata police have imposed “no helmet no petrol” rule, prohibiting petrol bunks from selling fuel to two-wheeler riders without helmet.
“No petrol pump within the jurisdiction of Kolkata police shall henceforth sell petrol to any such two-wheeler rider who comes to the petrol pump riding a two-wheeler without helmet as well carries a pillion rider without helmet,” said a notification by the city police published on Saturday.
Also, those who violate the rule will be charged under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and can face jail term up to six months.
Launching a road safety initiative ‘Safe Drive, Save Life,’ the Chief Minister on Friday expressed her concern regarding the the alarming no of road accident deaths that were happening, pointing out that several motorcyclists don’t wear helmets. She said that there should be a new law which prohibits sale of new two-wheeler vehicles without helmets. She also said that the government would consider helping out riders unable to afford a helmet.
