Kerala goes easy on helmet-fuel rule

Thiruvananthapuram: Just two days before the  ‘no helmet no petrol rule’ was due to be implemented in Thiurvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode, transport commissioner Tomin Thachankary issued a revised order saying that as part of the first phase of implementing the rule, awareness will be created among the two- wheeler riders who reach petrol pumps without helmets.

The new order was issued to all deputy commissioners on Friday. The Motor Vehicle Department will distribute pamphlets to spread awareness in the first two weeks at petrol pumps. Mr Thachankary said that checks would be conducted at petrol pumps across the state from August 1. The state government will consider giving gifts to people who reach petrol stations, wearing helmets.

This scheme will be implemented with the cooperation of petrol pumps. Winners will be selected through drawing lots and the first three first prize winners will win three litre petrol each, five second prize winners two litre petrol each and five third prize winners  one litre petrol each. Earlier, the transport commissioner had ordered not to give petrol to two-wheeler riders who went to petrol stations without wearing helmets from August 1. However, the order was opposed by many sections forcing transport minister A.K. Saseendran to re-examine the order.