Motor Vehicle Department enlists 90 pumps in Ernakulam

Kochi: A total of 90 petrol pumps in the Ernakulam Town and near-by areas have been identified by the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) in the district to carry out its 'wear helmet, get petrol-be safe' campaign. "Field officers will be deployed in the outlets to distribute leaflets on the need to wear helmet and advise those reaching petrol pumps without the headgear to use it.

The exercise will go on for another month before punitive measures for helmetless riding come into effect," said Suresh M., Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement). The MVD has sought help of local police and the students' police cadets to be part of the initiative to overcome the stringent "staff shortage" issues faced by it.  The department would also utilise the CCTV cameras in the pumps to monitor the awareness campaign and then strict enforcement at a later stage.

Earlier, Transport Minister A.K. Saseendran launched the state-wide campaign at a function held at the BPCL Petrol Pump at Irumbanam. Transport Commissioner Tomin J. Thachankary was among other dignitaries present. The MVD plans to include more fuel outlets in the district, especially in rural areas, upon making it mandatory to wear helmets after the awareness campaign drive. "We're in talks with the pump owners," the officer said.