A day after the traffic police promised strict implementation of helmet norms, there was no action against blatant traffic violators on Sunday. Across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, two-wheeler riders were spotted without helmets as policemen on duty remained mere spectators. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vishwas Pandhare, who had announced strict implementation of helmet rules on Saturday, threw his hands up. He went on to say that the local media had hyped his desire to implement the helmet rule. “No crackdown was carried out against bikers for not wearing helmets on Sunday. We do not want to push the helmet rule as such, but want to strategically encourage the public to obey it,” he told Newsline. Pandhare and his team’s inaction comes in the backdrop of Pune Police Commissioner Satish Mathur’s remarks during the recent Idea Exchange programme at The Indian Express office about his desire to implement helmet norms. Mathur sounded serious in his outlook to save the lives of youngsters riding two-wheelers without helmet on city roads. In the latest incident, according to the traffic police, a young helmet-less two-wheeler rider died in a road mishap on Friday evening. As per rules, a fine of Rs 100 can be imposed for riding without a helmet under Section 129 read with 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act. If the person fails to pay the fine or compounding fee on the spot, his/her driving licence can be confiscated. Meanwhile, local BJP leader Sandeep Khardekar has objected to enforcement of helmet rule. “The police should left it to the resident how they want to ensure personal safety. There should be no compulsion for wearing helmets,” Khardekar has said in his letter addressed to the city police. The BJP leader has appealed to senior police officials among others to lead by example in the matter of implementing helmet norms.