PUDUCHERRY: Two-wheeler riders of Puducherry, who were crossing through Tamil Nadu areas, were forced to wear helmets to avoid action by the Tamil Nadu police.
Many of them were wearing helmets reluctantly and for fear of being penalised for violation. Santhosh, who is staying inside the Puducherry town but works at a hotel in Kalapet, said he wore helmet for fear of penalty of impounding of licence and later its cancellation. He hoped that the High Court should give more time to the public to buy the helmet, which is in shortage.
Meanwhile, most of the vehicle dealers said they did not have the stock as the available stock is kept for those who buy two-wheelers from their outlets. A few outlets, situated close to the new bus stand charged more than the MRP. An ordinary helmet costs over `1,000 while the cost of a branded helmet was above `1,500.
The helmet rule is in force in Puducherry, but it is not implemented, sources in the administration said. The best way to implement it is by imposing spot fines by the police on the violators, they pointed out.
The Transport Department authorities are taking steps to implement the helmet rule after the receipt of the copy of the HC order and a proposal is made, which will be submitted to the government. Pointing out that nearly 60 two-wheeler riders die in accidents every year in the UT, sources said a strong political will is needed to implement the mandatory helmet wearing rule.