Karnataka - Mysore   

Making full use of the opportunity

MYSORE: The deployment of traffic police personnel for election duty has come as an “opportunity” for most of the two-wheeler riders in Mysore to not wear helmet.

Though the rule makes it mandatory for a two-wheeler rider to wear helmet, many offenders in the city are not being penalised.

Police Commissioner Ravindranath has said that the there is no relaxation in the helmet rule. “There is no unofficial or official relaxation in the helmet rule,” he told The Hindu.

However, he admitted that the laxity in enforcing the rule might have arisen owing to the deployment of the traffic police officials for election duty. Along with civil police personnel, a large number of traffic police have also been drawn for security arrangements for the elections.

“We had been deploying traffic policemen at venues of election rallies and public meetings,” he said.

Mr. Ravindranath pointed out that constables manning traffic junctions were not empowered to collect fines from offenders.

“Only officials of the rank of assistant sub-inspector (ASI) and above are authorised to collect penalties. But, we have posted most of the officials above the rank of ASI at the 10 checkposts in the city. Hence, strict enforcement of the helmet rule has suffered,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Crime) Shivalingappa said, “A majority of the traffic police personnel of all ranks have been deployed for VIP duty and security arrangements. The number of personnel deployed for routine traffic management has come down owing to this,” he said.

“We will resume strict enforcement of the helmet rule after the elections,” Mr. Ravindranath said.

However, the laxity on part of the police to enforce the rule could not have come at a better time for people like Rajiv. “The summer has made it difficult for me to wear helmet. I am glad that the police are not penalising me for riding without a helmet,” he said.

The rule came into force in six major cities and towns of the State, including Mysore and Bangalore, from November 1, 2006, despite widespread opposition.

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