Traffic cops, who targeted only main roads for starters, say bikers still claiming ignorance of rule
Representative Image
As many as 3,431 pillion riders were fined by traffic police on Day 1 of action against bikers and pillion riders without helmets. Riders were unhappy with the move and said helmets for pillion riders are unnecessary. On May 25, the police commissioner had instructed traffic cops to take action against bikers whose pillion riders were not wearing helmets. The traffic department had given 15 days’ time to bikers for compliance, failing which they would be penalised.
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The traffic division was directed on Wednesday to take action on bikers and pillion riders without helmets on both Western and Eastern Express Highways as well as major roads leading to toll plazas from Thursday. “There were objections from many about action across the city, hence we decided to take action on express highways and prominent roads,” said a senior traffic police officer.
Sagar Kadam, who was riding with his friend without a helmet, was fined by Matunga Traffic Police. He said, “I didn’t know about the move and was unaware of the penalty, but I will comply henceforth and keep a spare helmet.”
Also read: Mumbai: Traffic Police makes helmet compulsory for pillion riders
A cop stops a bike as the pillion rider is without a helmet, at Lalbaug on Thursday. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar
Till 7 pm, 3,421 pillion riders were fined by traffic police while 2,334 riders were challaned for not wearing a helmet. In addition, 516 challans were issued as both riders and pillion riders were not wearing helmets. The South region accounted for most of the challans at 2,100.
“While it is compulsory for both the rider and pillion rider to use helmets under section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is seen that rider or pillion rider or both do not wear helmets. Accordingly, today we took action against 2,334 two-wheeler riders, 3,421 pillion riders and 516 where both were challaned, bringing the total to 6,271,” said Raj Tilak Roshan, DCP (Traffic-Headquarters and Central).
“We have started taking action against riders as well as pillion riders without helmets. Action is being taken for the safety of both. We urge motorists to comply with it,” said Rajvardhan, joint commissioner of police (traffic).
Challans issued
Riders 2,334
Pillion ride r3,421
Both 5,16
Total 6,271
8 June
Day it was decided to act only on highways and major roads
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