Helmet campaign launched in Tirur

 MALAPPURAM: If everything goes according to the plan, Tirur municipality in the district will become the first municipality in the state to ensure that all two-wheeler riders wear helmets in two months.

The motor vehicles department (MVD), in association with Tirur police, has launched a mission named 'Helmet Upayuktha Tirur'. The initiative was launched after a study conducted by the department found that only 5% of motorcyclists in the district wear helmets.

An average of 150 cases is being registered in Tirur daily by the special inspection team led by joint road transport officer (RTO). The team slaps a fine of Rs100 on violators. In an effort to encourage people to wear helmets, the inspection team distributes gifts and sweets to the bike riders, who follow motor vehicle rules.

The joint RTO of Tirur, Subhash Babu said, as part of the campaign, the vehicle inspection team of MVD is examining all the documents related to the vehicles, including the smoke test papers. "Majority have already started to follow the direction of MVD officials and the initiative is expected to be a big success."

Assistant motor vehicle inspector, Tirur, V K Abdul Jalal said organizations of government employees, trade bodies and autorickshaw drivers have already extended support to the initiative.