NASHIK: The helmet rule is in force in the city in various forms. However, statistics show that public awareness about the use of helmets in the city is still lacking spirit among the bikers. Despite various measures being initiated against the rule violators since August, it seems that people are not very serious despite the cops using the carrot and stick approach.
Since the launch of the campaign, a fine to the tune of Rs. 18 lakhs, 48 thousand and five hundred has been recovered from the violators for failing to wear a helmet. Meanwhile, according to the traffic branch of the Commissionerate of Police, 3,698 people have been caught traveling without helmets since the start of the helmet drive and the fine has been recovered from them.
Few of these citizens have paid the fine; Some citizens have not yet paid the fine. The number of non-payers is high. 306 citizens have paid their fine amount in cash. They have paid a fine of Rs.1,53,000 in cash, and 3399 people are yet to pay a fine of Rs.16,95,500. The ‘No Helmet, No Petrol’ campaign started in the city on 15th August. Vehicle owners who do not have a helmet will not get petrol under the campaign.
If they are given petrol then action will be taken against the petrol pump owners. For this, police personnel were also deployed at every petrol pump. After that, a 2-hour counseling campaign was conducted for those who are not wearing helmets. Following this, on the backdrop of Diwali, the campaign ‘No Petrol, No Cooperation’ was started, and it was informed that no entry to any establishment will be allowed without a helmet.
It has also been asked to appoint a property officer in the concerned office. And now, from December 1, exams for drivers without helmets are being conducted Meanwhile, this year 643 helmetless holders have paid Rs. 3 lakhs 21 thousand five hundred in cash while fine Rs. 54 lakhs 98 thousand is yet to be recovered from 10,973 helmetless bikers.
The maximum fine of Rs.78,000 was recovered in January, followed by Rs. 76,000 during the campaign period. The lowest fine was Rs. 4,500 in May. The maximum penalty pending in January is Rs.14,97,000.
