LAHORE, Feb 27: Helmet sales have picked up in the provincial metropolis in view of the March 1 deadline fixed by Punjab chief secretary Kamran Rasul for its compulsory use by motorcyclists , but there is no significant increase in its use so far.

A large variety of helmets is available at the McLeod Road motorcycle market costing from Rs350 to Rs2,000 each. Shopkeepers have procured huge helmet stocks and have put up 'loot sale' signs in anticipation of large scale sales.

Helmet manufacturers have also launched a campaign for the promotion of sales. Motorcyclists are being advised to wear helmets for protection against thread of stray kites, dust and vagaries of weather.

The condition for compulsory wearing of helmet has been incorporated in the motor vehicle law since long but an attempt to enforce it is being made for the second time. The first such attempt was made during the tenure of late General Ziaul Haq. The restriction had, however, to be relaxed due to the strong protest of the motorcyclists.

The fate of the fresh attempt to compel the motorcyclists to wear the helmets is not likely to be different from that of the first because an overwhelming majority is not willing to use it due to hot weather conditions.

Many are opposed to wearing of helmets for not being accustomed to the use of headgear and consider it an interference in their right to wear what they like. Some are opposed to even the idea of wearing a helmet and others are criticizing the restriction for being imposed only in Punjab.