AGARTALA, May 04 (TIWN): To curb the rising motor bike accidents in the state, transport department likely to recommended making helmet mandatory for two-wheeler riders to get petrol. Simply put, the petrol pump operators can decline to fill petrol if you drive in without a helmet, said an official state transport department.

The official said instructions will be given to petrol pump operators. “The proposal will be enforced shortly. Till then awareness will be created for two-wheeler riders through the local media asking them to comply with the helmet rule,”

An official with the traffic police admits that it would not be legally standing to deny someone fuel for his or her vehicle. But the order issued by District Collector in his capacity as District Magistrate for enforcing the Motor Vehicle Act can be justified, he said.

The City Police, however, is not sure about its role in implementing this rule, if it comes. “This will be done at the level of individual petrol pumps and police have little role out there,” said the police officer.

The official also said that the department will recommend to the government that helmets should be made compulsory for pillion riders on motorcycles.