Meghalaya: Rs 54, 000 fine imposed on first day of helmet rule in Shillong

SHILLONG:

The Shillong traffic police on Tuesday released a fine of Rs 54,000 after many of the pillion riders did not wear helmets.

The traffic police had issued challans to two-wheeler owners if the pillion rider does not wear a helmet.

“54 two-wheelers owners were fined. A fine of Rs 54,00 was released,” Superintendents of police (Traffic), Siddharth Ambedkar informed.

He said that being the first day; they had not imposed a fine on everyone and as part to create awareness, the traffic personnel had directed the two-wheelers owners to purchase helmets for the pillion riders.

Pillion riders are at the third-highest risk of dying in a fatal road accident, with the highest risk being to two-wheeler riders and pedestrians.

As per MV Act of 1989, the fine for not wearing a helmet is Rs 1000 and the rider will be issued a challan for the same amount if his pillion rider is not wearing a helmet.

The Shillong Traffic Police also applauded the gesture of the people from Shillong who followed the rule on the first day.

“Shillong witnessed the discipline of our Two-wheeler Riders and Pillion Riders on Tuesday. In this regard, Shillong Traffic Police would like to appreciate and congratulate every two-wheeler user for complying with our request,” Shillong Traffic Police said in a Facebook post.

With helmets becoming mandatory for pillion riders, many of the shops selling helmets in the city also saw good business.

A shopkeeper in Keating Road said, “The sales of helmets have picked up in the last few days”.

(Edited by Laxmi Chyrmang)