LAHORE, Jan 31: The Punjab government has decided to make wearing of helmet compulsory for motorcyclists from March 1 while pillion riders have been exempted for the time being.

A provincial transport department press statement issued here on Monday said motorcyclists were required to wear helmets under Section 69-A of the Motor vehicle Ordinance, 1965, and Section 239-A of the Motor vehicle Rules, 1969, but the provisions were not being enforced.

The government had now decided to enforce the law as the number of deaths of motorcyclists in accidents had increased considerably. Of 89 motorcyclists who suffered head injuries in accidents last year, 69 had died, it added.

It said the number of motorcyclists wearing helmets had significantly increased as a result of an awareness campaign launched by the transport department. The department appealed to motorcyclists to wear helmets during driving not only for meeting the legal requirement but also for their safety. The use of helmet could also protect motorcyclists from pollution and weather, the statement concluded.