Army to reduce personnel helping in helmet drive

The reply also added that the drive is conducted by Pune Police “only” and that “the presence of Army during the drive is also to conduct security checks”.

The drive,though implemented with a motive to saving lives and minimizing casualties,had initially faced opposition from sections of the society who claimed that the Army has no right to implement the helmet imposition within the city limits. The reply also read: “We plan to continue with the same because the drive was started with the noble aim of saving lives and minimizing casualties. The Local Military Authorities feel that the response has been very positive as seen by increased number of two-wheeler riders wearing helmet not just on the Cantonment premises,but outside the Cantonment as well.”

In fact,future plans also include installing CCTV cameras for traffic monitoring as well as digital signs to spread awareness. “Pune Cantonment Board has approved the installation of CCTVs for security as well as traffic monitoring. The same will be implemented in the near future. Putting up digital signages at various locations within the Cantonment is in the pipeline. However,the same will display traffic rules and etiquette with the aim to educate the public,rather than giving details of violations and fine collected,” the reply read.

The helmet drive is implemented jointly by the Army and police teams at various locations within the Pune Cantonment. While the Army may reduce its personnel strength assisting the police,DCP Traffic Vishwas Pandhare had last week told this paper that manpower crunch is one of the prime challenges faced by the police while conducting the drive.

Milind Thosar,PI,Lashkar Traffic Division said,“Police personnel are part of the helmet drive because the Army has no authority to issue challans. The helmet rule is applicable even in other parts of the city,though implemented leniently. Reducing Army personnel will not affect the drive in the cantonment.”