The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has decided to defer the date for making wearing of helmets compulsory for two-wheeler riders to January 1. In order to follow Supreme Court’s order on wearing of helmets by two-wheeler riders, the state government had initially decided to implement it from November 1.

However, following representations from public on the non-availability of ISI-mark helmets in the market, the Cabinet yesterday decided to relax the rule for next two months and implement it from January 1, 2016.

‘Compulsory Helmet’ rule withdrawn in 6 hours of its implementation:

The much hyped `compulsory helmet’ rule was withdrawn within six hours of its implementation in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday leaving the motorists, who had coughed up penalty for viola tions, fuming at the state government.

Hundreds of RTA and police officials fanned out onto streets early in the morning to “strictly enforce“ the rule. The motorists made a beeline to helmet shops to avoid challan & the state government had decided to “relax“ the rule. Shortage of helmets as reason behind the sudden U turn.

Heated scenes were witnessed in many towns after authorities began booking cases. They imposed a penalty of Rs 100 and warned of seizure of the vehicle and cancelling of driving licence.

Transport minister had clearly said that there were enough helmets!

The transport chief N Balasubramanyam had only two days ago declared that there is enough stock of helmets. Transport minister Sidda Raghava Rao said the decision to relax the rule has been taken after a discussion with CM N Chandrababu Naidu.

The transport minister, however, did not indicate any time frame to implement the rule. “We will try to create awareness among the bikers before enforcing the rule. We can’t make everything mandatory even it is in the interest of the people,“ said Raghava Rao.