Stern measures being taken to make the rule more effective, says SP

Intensifying the road safety campaign, the Chittoor police on Friday initiated ‘No Helmet No Fuel’ drive at all the petrol pumps in Chittoor, Puttur, Madanapalle and Palamaner police sub-divisions. Over 2,000 students of various degree and engineering colleges and Community Police Officers (CPOs) will be involved in the drive to sensitise motorcyclists through public interaction and messages on public address system at 163 petrol pumps.

Superintendent of Police S.V. Rajasekhar Babu launched the drive at the petrol pump at the SBI junction here. About 2,000 students from several colleges took part in the event.

Addressing the students and the CPOs, the SP said in view of the growing number of casualties involving two-wheeler accidents, the district police wanted to tackle the issue with more seriousness. In spite of the awareness campaigns on the helmet rule during the last couple of years, the results were not encouraging, particularly from the youth and students.

Under the new rule, people who did not wear helmets would be denied fuel at petrol stations.

From September 8 till 14, the volunteers, known as Road Safety Ambassadors, posted at the pumps would urge the public to compulsorily wear helmets, and even guide them on buying suitable ones. Select dealers would offer helmets at reasonable prices at the petrol pumps itself.

Audio and video clips would be played at the pumps with messages on road safety.

From September 15, fuel would not be supplied to the violators of the helmet rule and in order prevent malpractice, all the premises would be kept under digital surveillance. From October first week, heavy penalties would be slapped on the violators, he said.

Objective

“The campaign’s objective is not to allow any motorbike rider die on roads. We are also planning massive campaigns on this theme at all educational institutions and during parent meets," he said.

Deputy SP K. Kesappa said strict action would be taken against anyone who failed to wear a helmet while driving a two-wheeler. We would also simultaneously intensify the ‘sign the oath forms’ campaign, he said.

Later, the officials led an impressive rally with students and CPOs through the arterial junctions of Chittoor followed by taking a pledge in support of the helmet rule at Gandhi Bomma junction.