No helmet, no petrol: State pulls plug on rule, will levy fines instead

For all practical purposes, the state government says it has backed away from the proposed ‘No helmet, no fuel’ rule, as transport minister Diwakar Raote informed the state Assembly on Friday

For all practical purposes, the state government says it has backed away from the proposed ‘No helmet, no fuel’ rule, as transport minister Diwakar Raote informed the state Assembly on Friday. The change comes in light of the mass protests by the petrol dealers’ body of Federation of All Maharashtra Petrol Dealers Association (FAMPEDA).

Now, instead, the government, in coordination with the traffic police, will levy a R500 fine on all two-wheelers that come to a petrol pump without a helmet.

Officials from the state transport department said: “The announcement has been made, but we are waiting for the written orders which would throw clarity on future course of action.”

Now, both the petrol pump owners and the traffic police will organize a 10-day campaign to promote helmet safety, after which fines will be levied. “Till Aug 15, we will carry out a campaign to promote wearing of helmets along with the government and police. After that, though petrol will be provided, non-helmet riders will be fined,” said Ravi Shinde, president, FAMPEDA.

Jt CP, (traffic), Milind Bharambe, said, “After the 10-day campaign, two constables will be posted at around the 223 city petrol pumps — one from the traffic department and one from the local police station. We will tell them the fine has increased from R100 to R500 so it’s better to just buy a helmet.”

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