Automobile accessories outlets in districts, especially the helmet shops—both branded showrooms and roadside vends—saw a sudden surge in customers on Monday, as motorists throng the places to buy helmet as wearing it while driving will be made mandatory from Wednesday. Car owners too will have to fasten their seat belts while driving, failing which they will attract a penalty of Rs.100.
Though the enforcement commences from Wednesday, many riders in Vijayawada were seen wearing helmets on Monday, an unlike phenomenon in the city. However, many found fault with the officials for imposing the rules without any prior intimation.
Those who went for a last-minute buying of helmets had to shell out more than the MRPs. “Taking advantage of the situation, shop owners are demanding Rs.800 to Rs.1,000 for each helmet, which were available for a lesser price just a few days ago,” fumed Manohar, a two-wheeler owner at Besant Road. On the other hand, officials defended the move saying that since last two months, several awareness programmes and campaigns were conducted on the importance of using helmets and fastening seat belts. The government has taken this State-wide initiative of making wearing helmet mandatory, said RTO M. Purendra.