10 July,2014 01:42 AM IST | | Anuj Ismail
This is the Traffic Police department’s strategy to encourage two-wheeler riders to put on the safety headgear
Helmet
If the traffic police's plan works, you will soon see two-wheeler commuters zipping through the city's roads wearing helmets. Using a reward system to condition riders into wearing helmets, the traffic police has come up with a novel idea to promote the protective headgear.
Get your helmet groove on: The new plan will help in creating awareness among citizens and motivate them to wear their helmets while riding. file pic for representation
According to the department's new plan, those wearing a helmet will get a discount of Rs 5 in parking charges. The Pune Police Commissioner, Satish Mathur made this announcement in a press conference held at the traffic branch yesterday.
Addressing the media, Mathur said, "We have to change our approach first, and with this in mind, we have decided to speak to the municipal corporations and mall owners to give concessions in parking fares to those wearing helmets. This will help in creating awareness among citizens and motivate them to wear their helmets while riding."
Mathur added, "Pune is known for its culture, but not for its traffic culture. So, we have to work towards improving the traffic culture, and citizens have a big role to play in this. Once we are able to achieve this goal, only then can we say that Pune has good traffic culture."
Mathur further added, "To reduce the chances of traffic violations, a reward system should be in place, so that offenders stick to the rules."
Mathur instructed the traffic police department to speak to the municipal corporations and owners of malls and strike a deal. Sangram Devkar, member of a Pune bikers' group, said, "This initiative will surely change the mindset of the citizens as they will be encouraged to wear a helmet that can save their life during accidents."
