The recent strictness pertaining to bike helmet-related fines has caused a surge in the demand for new helmets. As a result, helmet prices have also risen, creating trouble for motorcycle riders.
Crackdown on Helmetless Riders: Ensuring Road Safety
To improve road safety and prevent fatalities, traffic police across all districts in Punjab have increased the crackdown on motorbike riders without helmets. Law enforcers have tightened helmet laws and raised fines, which has led to an increase in helmet prices by vendors, burdening many riders financially and legally.
Surge in Helmet Fines and Price Hike
According to a media report, Lahore City Traffic Police (CTP) issued 223,000 challans to motorcyclists in 14 days. The department also stated that the helmet fine will soon be Rs. 2,000.
Fake Shortage or Real Crisis? The Helmet Dilemma
Reports state that the government’s crackdown against helmetless bike riders has caused a helmet shortage and price increase in local markets. Some vendors are selling a Rs. 700 helmet for up to Rs. 3,000, making safety gear unaffordable for many bikers. The Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) expressed concern and assured the public that actions are being taken with the district government to reduce helmet prices and curb a suspected fake shortage of helmets.
