HYDERABAD: The rolling out of the e-challan system in Hyderabad has brought about an abrupt hike in helmet prices, and commuters are now complaining about the ‘double punishment’ on the roads.
Following Karachi, traffic authorities have introduced e-challans in the second largest city in the Sindh province, imposing hefty fines on motorcyclists not wearing helmets.
As soon as the drive kicked off, there was a huge demand for helmets, and local vendors reportedly raised their prices to double what residents used to pay.
Residents noted that they rushed to purchase helmets in a bid to evade fines, only to find themselves dealing with prices that have ballooned, with vendors taking full advantage.
The residents were also questioning the priorities of the government. They pointed out how e-fines were introduced promptly, but the road conditions in Hyderabad are poor. This is because most of the major roads are dug up or half-broken.
According to locals, “If the authorities are concerned about road safety, then they should take steps to eliminate profiteering, ensure that helmets remain affordable, and work on repairing major roads rather than just e-challans.”
