- Many seen borrowing helmet from others
Bhopal: Starting August 1, Bhopal has implemented a new regulation requiring two-wheeler drivers to wear helmets in order to purchase petrol.
On the first day of enforcement, many petrol stations initially allowed drivers to fill their tanks without helmets. However, as officials began monitoring compliance, petrol pump operators became stricter. Reports indicate that numerous students were denied petrol at the Ratnagiri petrol pump due to their lack of helmets. Manju Gurjar, a pump worker, said that she turned away over 100 people, informing them that helmets were mandatory for refueling.
Similar scenes unfolded at other petrol stations, including two pumps in New Market and one at the Number Five Bus Stop in MP Nagar. The strict enforcement led some drivers to borrow helmets from others to comply with the new rule. With 192 petrol pumps in Bhopal and a daily consumption of 21 lakh liters of petrol and diesel, the regulation aims to significantly impact safety on the roads.
The order reinforces existing laws, specifically Section 129 of the MP Motor Vehicle Act 1988, which mandates that all two-wheeler riders wear ISI-mark helmets. The Collector emphasized that wearing a helmet can substantially reduce the risk of severe injuries in accidents.
Concerns have been raised regarding the enforcement of this mandate, particularly regarding accountability for those who do not comply. Ajay Singh, president of the Petrol Pump Dealers Association, said there is a need for stricter action against motorcyclists who ride without helmets. He said the district administration should address this issue comprehensively.
