PANCHKULA: Ten women were challaned for not wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers on Wednesday in a special drive that was launched after more than two years.
It was in September 20, 2018, that wearing helmets was made mandatory for women after an order the transport department had issued following directions from the Punjab and Haryana high court to ensure compliance by the enforcement agencies or challaning officers as per provisions under Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, and rules under Haryana Motor Vehicle Rules, 1993. Police had started an awareness drive and started issuing challans. A month later, the drive had halted.
“Whether it is a man or a woman, a helmet is mandatory for all according to Motor Vehicle Act. All must follow the guidelines, otherwise violators will be challaned, said Ramesh Guliya, assistant commissioner of police (ACP), traffic.
A special check post was put up at Sector 4/11/12 roundabout and 10 women challaned, said city traffic station house officer (SHO) inspector Sukhdev Singh.
Both Panchkula and Surajpur traffic wings have been instructed to hold the drive. The ACP said no leniency will be shown to women without helmets, he added. He said the drive will remain in the district. A team at CCTV control room, Sector 14, has also been asked to issue e-challan to women riders found not wearing helmet.
Those exempted from wearing helmets are people medically advised not to wear such headgear or a Sikh wearing a turban.