The “No Helmet, No Petrol“ policy has made a comeback in the city of Lahore. According to a notification by the Office of the Deputy Commission, bike riders without helmets will not be given petrol in the city. “The use of a helmet is prescribed as mandatory by the law for the safety of bikers/motorcyclists, and its violation is an offense under the provision of Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1965,” the notification read.
The DC office further said it had been observed that this is ignored, increasing the death ratio and severe head injuries of bikers in road accidents. To eradicate this illegal practice:
- There is a complete ban on selling fuel to bikers without wearing safety helmets in Lahore.
- It is advised to ensure that no petrol pump/filling station sells fuel to any biker without a helmet in the interest of public safety.
حفاظتی ہیلمٹ پہنے بغیر بائیکرز/موٹر سائیکل سواروں کو پٹرول نہیں ملے گا۔ ڈپٹی کمشنر لاہور نے نوٹیفکیشن جاری کر دیا. pic.twitter.com/ZqNPvhjTLD
— City Traffic Police Lahore (@ctplahore) July 6, 2023
Suspension of “No Helmet, No Petrol” Policy
As we mentioned earlier, this is not the first time the government has imposed this ban. Back in 2018, similar steps were taken, but there were multiple reports of violations as different petrol pumps continued to give petrol to bikers. Some fuel stations even started a “rent a helmet” policy by giving the riders this safety gear for a limited time. However, the ban was removed after an order by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The court observed that the ban was an unjust denial of the basic rights of a normal citizen.
A three-member bench at the Supreme Court suspended the “no helmet, no petrol” ban. The court based the suspension on the fact that no law can deny the basic right of a biker to purchase fuel for their ride.
The Supreme Court further directed the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) to ensure that the bike riders in Lahore follow the road safety instructions and wear helmets. The court asked the CTO to take strict action against those not following the rules. Directly or indirectly, the Supreme Court is asking the CTO to do his job so the court doesn’t have to enforce such laws.
What is your take on the “no helmet, no petrol” policy? Do you think it is a good decision? Please tell us in the comments section.
