Helmets compulsory in Pondicherry from May 1

Puducherry: Expressing concern over the spate of road accidents in the Union Territory, Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Saturday said that the territorial administration would implement compulsory wearing of helmets by two-wheeler riders from May 1.

Statistics showed that in several road accidents, people died only because they were not wearing a helmet, said Mr Narayanasamy while addressing a press conference here, along with Director General of Police S.K. Goutham and other senior police officers.

“As many as 710 road accidents occurred in the year 2016 alone, of which, 60 had died due to head injuries. So the government decided to make helmet compulsory. Those who violate the rule would face legal actions,” said the Chief Minister.

Even as authorities implemented the compulsory helmet rule in adjacent Tamil Nadu, there is laxity in the Union Territory in implementation. But then authorities, including the transport department have been maintaining that they encourage two-wheeler riders to wear helmets compulsorily in the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Lt Governor immediately after assuming office had also urged the Puducherry administration to implement the helmet rule ordered by the Madras high court without fail.

Talking about the law and order, the Chief Minister said that law and order situation has significantly improved in the state after the Congress government assumed office.

“The government is committed to ensuring the safety of the people and also the people coming from other states as tourists. Women’s security is another prime concern of the government,” he said. Lt Governor Kiran Bedi is also keen on ensuring that the law and order in the Union Territory are being maintained properly, he added.