MINGORA: Swat police on Monday launched a free helmet distribution campaign among motorcyclists to promote human safety on roads.

The police along with civil society members and traders distributed over 100 helmets among motorcyclists on various roads and streets in Mingora Bazaar with a note of advice to them to ensure use of helmet while driving.

They also distributed pamphlets and brochures to create awareness regarding traffic rules and signs.

“We aim to solve traffic issues in Mingora and today we have started campaign and I believe that we will soon streamline the traffic with the cooperation of general public,” district police officer Wahid Mehmood told mediapersons.

He added that operation against wrong parking, illegal vehicles and stands and underage drivers had already been initiated.

“We have noticed that in majority of the road accidents underage motorcyclists are involved,” he said and added that police would not allow underage drivers and motorcyclists on the roads.

He said initially they had started distributing free helmets and in the second phase legal action would be taken against the violators.

The people have lauded the police initiative and said rapid increase in minor motorcyclists in Mingora had led to frequent road accidents.

“The law enforcement agencies must take action against the schools administration and parents who allow their children to drive motorcycles, risking their lives,” said Akbar Ali, a resident of Mingora.

He said if a minor motorcyclist was found on roads his motorcycle should be seized and should only be given back to him when his parents signed an affidavit not to allow their child to drive bike in future.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2018