Post the implementation of the compulsory helmet rule for two-wheeler riders from July 1, many motorists in the city are grappling with the need for space to leave their helmets at public places. Not many want to leave their helmets chained to their bikes as they feel it might get stolen since helmets are out of stock in many outlets across the city.
At the Mattuthavani Bus stand parking lot where many people comprising of marketing and sales representatives as well as college students leave their bikes and board buses to the nearby areas, tokens are being issued for Rs. 5 for safe keeping of helmets.
“The shelves were put here after the implementation of the rule a few days back and we are getting more than 150 to 200 helmets everyday to store,” said one of the persons in charge of the parking lot which belongs to the Madurai Corporation but is managed on a private contract basis.
Motorists however pointed out the parking fee for 12 hours was only Rs. 3. “The cost of keeping our helmets there is much more expensive and for persons like me who travel on a daily basis, we will have to spend a lot every month,” said K. Kalairani, a teacher in a school on the outskirts of the city.
Walkers carry it along
Early morning walkers at the Vandiyur park in K.K. Nagar and the Corporation Eco park have been carrying their helmets in their hands and going about their daily exercise routine.
“Storage facilities where tokens are issued at nominal prices could be started in all important public places,” said J. Loganathan, a resident of Anna Nagar, who goes for a walk at the parks.
The Meenakshi Temple which attracts thousands of devotees on a daily basis is at present, receiving and storing helmets at the free chappal stands near the four main temple tower entrances.
“For now, we are accepting helmets and keeping it here but it will become a problem when there is a rush of devotees. Separate stands and shelves might need to be set up,” said a worker at the stand.
