Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narain Singh noted that while this initiative was first introduced in Gautam Buddh Nagar district in 2019, its implementation was inconsistent.
The Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has proposed a stringent "no helmet, no fuel" policy to combat road accidents and fatalities involving two-wheelers. Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narain Singh issued an official directive on January 8, instructing fuel station operators to refuse fuel to two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers not wearing helmets.
The letter, sent to district magistrates and divisional commissioners across the state, highlights data showing a high number of two-wheeler accident victims without helmets, underscoring the urgency of this measure.
The directive also references instructions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath earlier this month, following a review of road safety measures in the state. The Chief Minister highlighted that 25,000 to 26,000 lives are lost annually in Uttar Pradesh due to road accidents, with most fatalities among two-wheeler riders being attributed to the lack of helmets. "This policy aims to save lives and improve road safety," the letter stated.
Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narain Singh noted that while this initiative was first introduced in Gautam Buddh Nagar district in 2019, its implementation was inconsistent. The new directive seeks to enforce the rule strictly across all districts in the state.
Singh also outlined measures for effective enforcement, including educating fuel station operators about the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Uttar Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules, 1998. He emphasized the importance of regular coordination with police and regional transport offices (RTOs) to ensure the success of the policy.
Singh emphasized the importance of installing clear safety signage at petrol stations, with prominent "No Helmet, No Fuel" boards to raise awareness among riders. The policy also plans to utilize media platforms and public notices to spread its message and increase public awareness.
"Awareness campaigns across social media, print, and electronic media must be conducted on a large scale, highlighting the life-saving role of helmets, not just as a legal requirement," said Singh.
To ensure the policy's compliance, law enforcement agencies and administrative officials will conduct regular reviews. Fuel station operators are also urged to support helmet use by strictly following the directive and denying fuel to two-wheeler riders without helmets, while reporting repeat offenders.
The transport department has called on the public to view helmets as essential protective gear rather than just a safety requirement. "This initiative aims to foster responsibility among riders and promote a culture of safe road behavior," Singh concluded.
With PTI inputs.