LHC declares helmet compulsory for pillion rider from Dec 1
Shares
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) declared use of helmet compulsory for pillion rider of a two-wheeler from December 1.
Justice Ali Akbar Qureshi passed the orders on a petition filed by a lawyer, Syed Kamal Haider, seeking directions for the police to implement traffic laws across the province.
At the outset of proceedings, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore Capt (redt) Malik Liaqat appeared before the court and
submitted a report regarding action taken on helmet violation.
The court was apprised that more then 200,000 traffic violation tickets were issued for not wearing helmet.
The court appreciated the performance of traffic police for enforcing the rules and also directed for action against
bikers who drive without side mirrors. The court also ordered strict action, if a pillion rider of a motorcycle did not wear helmet from Dec 1.
The CTO assured the court that traffic rules would be ensured from December 1.
It is pertinent to mention that the court had asked Punjab IGP to enforce use of helmets by motorcyclists as part
of implementation of traffic laws across the province, earlier.
The lawyer through his petition had submitted that a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that in
Pakistan 25.3 deaths per 100,000 occur because of road accidents, which was much higher than international ratio.
The lawyer asked the court to order the police to implement all traffic laws, including wearing of helmets by the motorcyclists, in the entire province.
He also sought direction for the government to fix prices of helmets to check consumers' exploitation at the hands of
profiteers.He pleaded that the Pemra should also be directed to launch an public awareness campaign through mainstream and social media about traffic laws.
APP
