In September last year,the Local Military Authority (LMA) and the Pune police jointly implemented the helmet norm in Pune camp limits. A joint decision was taken by DCP (traffic)and the Army authorities to make helmets compulsory for both the driver and pillion rider. While political parties and individuals opposed the move,the LMA claims that there has been a positive change in peoples attitude towards using helmets. In October,the police had collected Rs 66 lakh from 66,000 bikers. Between October 1 and December 31,2012,the police had issued 29,000 chalans. The number has come down to 7,000 to 8,000 challans per month this year. Political parties now have a rather suggestive take on the helmet drive in cantonment area. Shashidhar Puram,president,BJP Camp wing,said,Camp is a small area and roads are pathetic. As a result,bikers travel at very slow speeds thus reducing the risk of accidents. Is it not the duty of authorities to first provide better roads before making helmet compulsory? Also,camp is a high- security area. The angle of a probable terrorist attack,wherein the miscreants hide identity behind helmet cant be ruled out.
