Latur, Aug 29 (PTI) In a move aimed at setting an example before enforcing road-safety rules on citizens, police in Maharashtra’s Latur have initiated action against 58 police personnel, including officers, for riding two-wheelers without helmets.
The action comes ahead of the district-wide implementation of mandatory helmet use from September 1 as part of efforts to curb road accidents and fatalities.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Amol Tambe has directed that there should be no exemption for police personnel when it comes to helmet rules. He has maintained that those responsible for enforcing the law must first follow it themselves.
“We are responsible for enforcing the law. Therefore, compliance must begin with us,” SP Tambe said.
Ever since Tambe took charge as the district SP, the traffic branch has been instructed to ensure that action against helmetless riders begins within the police establishment itself. Officers and personnel arriving at police stations on two-wheelers without helmets are also liable for penal action.
So far, 58 police officers and personnel have been fined for violating the helmet rule.
In a significant step, the department has also directed that details of the action be entered in the personnel’s service books, making the violation part of their official service record.
SP Tambe has issued clear directions to the in-charges of all 23 police stations in Latur district to ensure that officers and personnel coming to police stations on two-wheelers wear helmets.
Any police officer or personnel found arriving without a helmet will face disciplinary action, apart from the applicable penalty, and the action will be recorded in the service book.
The police department said the measure is intended not merely as enforcement but also as a public example of responsible road behaviour.
The district administration and police are preparing for the strict implementation of mandatory helmet use from September 1. The phased approach is aimed at giving motorists time to comply and creating awareness about the importance of helmets.
Police have appealed to all two-wheeler riders to make helmet use a habit rather than wait for enforcement action. PTI COR NP
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