'No Helmet, No Fuel' rule likely in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The No Helmet, No Fuel rule has been approved in principle by the police, transport and traffic departments for implementation in Hyderabad.

Two-wheeler riders without helmets will be denied fuel in city petrol pumps. This  has been implemented in Adilabad district in Telangana since June 2 under the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Oil (Licensing and Control) Act. It is, in fact, applicable to all states. Fuel stations can deny petrol, diesel and oil under Section 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act.

The city traffic department is studying the effects of the rule in Adilabad, the problems faced by petrol pumps from the public and will make changes to the rule if needed. It is likely to be implemented by June end.

Hyderabad traffic, and law and order police and the state transport authority have formed a coordination committee that met on June 6 and approved the rule.

DCP (South) traffic, and convener of the committee Mr A.V. Ranganath said, “The committee is presently studying how effective it has been in Adilabad district. Problems like people arguing and resistance to the rule may surface, which is being studied. After the feedback from Adilabad, Hyderabad traffic police will hold a meeting with the collector (or Civil Supplies department) and the city’s fuel station owners. By June end the committee will take a call on the implementation.” States like Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha have implemented the rule. The Telangana Two-Wheeler Riders Association (TTWRA) has threatened to protest if the rule is implemented warning a bandh. “Since other citizens are not affected due to an individual’s choice of not wearing a helmet, the government should review the rule,” said convenor Mr Mohd Amanullah Khan.