Express News Service By

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two-wheeler buyers can now claim a helmet along with the bike they purchase. Besides an ISI-mark helmet, customers will get accessories such as number plate, rear view mirror, sari guard, crash guard, handle for pillion rider for free. A decision regarding this was taken at a meeting with the vehicle manufacturers at the Transport Commissionerate here on Tuesday. The rule will be effective from April 1.

“Around 50 manufacturers attended the meeting. They have agreed to provide these facilities free of cost,” Transport Commissioner Tomin J Thachankary said.

According to him, the decision was taken considering the rising number of accident deaths in the state.

Though a similar rule was introduced a few years back customers continue to pay for their helmets. At present, customers have to shell out extra amount even for number plates.

Thachankary said the licence for sales will be cancelled if the manufacturer failed to provide the accessories as per the condition. He also said customers were free to choose the insurance company of their choice for their vehicles and it was against law for vehicle dealers to force customers to buy policies from a particular insurance company. To discourage use of mobile phones while driving the manufacturers were directed to introduce a mechanism to cancel bluetooth facilities while the vehicle is moving.