Karnataka's Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh declared on Thursday that the state government intends to prohibit the use and sale of half helmets, alongside proposing a substantial increase in penalties for two-wheeler riders on footpaths. Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Suresh outlined these measures as part of a broader push to enhance road safety and curb traffic violations across the state.
The minister specified that authorities are actively examining legal frameworks to implement the ban, which would also target manufacturers and sellers stocking these 'skull-cap' helmets. Suresh highlighted a noticeable rise in their usage despite their inadequate protection, covering only the top of the head while leaving crucial areas like the face, chin, ears, and lower neck exposed. Full-face helmets, though often costlier, offer comprehensive safety, a stark contrast to the cheaper, less protective half variants.
In a significant hike, the proposed fine for riding two-wheelers on footpaths is set to jump from the current Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 for a first offence, escalating to Rs 10,000 for repeat violators. This move, stemming from a joint proposal by the Transport and Home departments, awaits the Legal Department's review. Suresh emphasized that footpaths are exclusively for pedestrians, citing numerous incidents of injuries and fatalities caused by vehicles encroaching on these designated spaces. Additionally, penalties for violating one-way traffic rules are slated for a tenfold increase from the existing Rs 1,000.
These announcements follow a high-level review meeting held on Wednesday at Vidhana Soudha, chaired by Transport Minister B. Suresh and Home Minister Priyank Kharge, with senior officials in attendance. Discussions focused on strategies to alleviate Bengaluru's traffic congestion and enforce stricter action against persistent traffic offenders. Key proposals included introducing a points-based driving licence system, where accumulating a specific number of penalty points could lead to licence suspension. The integration of the Transport Department's Sarathi system with the Bengaluru Traffic Police's e-Challan system was also explored, aiming to provide real-time access to driver records and violation histories.
The meeting also addressed bolstering fines for various other violations impacting traffic flow and public safety, such as unauthorised parking, signal infractions, and driving against traffic. Suresh affirmed that these substantial increases in fines are designed to act as a strong deterrent, compelling motorists to adhere to traffic regulations and significantly improve overall road safety for everyone.
Image: mangalorean.com
đź“° Source: Mangalorean News