'No helmet, no fuel' in Maharashtra to promote road safety

A biker without a helmet will not be allowed to buy fuel from any petrol pump in Maharashtra, the state government informed the Legislative Assembly today.

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State Transport Minister Diwakar Raote told the House that the decision has been taken to promote safety on roads. "Supplying fuel to riders not wearing helmets is seen as encouraging riding without helmets," Raote said in a statement.

The minister's announcement came after the Mumbai police decided to implement the "No Helmet, No Petrol" policy. Concerned over the increasing number of road accidents involving two-wheelers, the police tied up with petrol dealers and associations to ensure that helmet-less motorcyclists produce the safety gear before they are allowed to refuel their vehicles at any petrol pump in the city.

They asked the petrol pump association not to supply fuel to bikers without helmet starting August 1.

After making helmet compulsory for pillion-riders two months ago, Mumbai police has taken this imitative to ensure riders do not avoid helmets. Police have said they want people to remain aware of the initiative.