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Motorcyclists told only SLSI approved helmets from next year
View(s):From next year, motorbike riders will have to wear helmets that conform to Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) specifications, Police Traffic Chief Amarasiri Senaratne said. Regulations to this effect have already been gazetted in terms of the Consumer Affairs Act.
Deputy Inspector General Senaratne said the regulations, recommended by the National Council for Road Safety and the Traffic Police, would come into force from September next year and would be strictly enforced.
The Sri Lanka Standards Institution has informed traders that the helmets being sold should conform to SLS specifications. Helmet sellers violating the regulations would be penalised under the Consumer Affairs Act. Helmet sellerw will be told that new SLSI approved helmets should be available in large, medium and small sizes.
The Motor Traffic Act no. 21 of 1981 states that motorcycle riders and pillion riders should wear protective helmets approved by the Transport Ministry. The Act also stipulates that the helmet and chin strap should be designed to protect the head and the face of the rider, while the rider should be recognisable from a distance of 25 metres.
The Registrar of Motor Vehicles Department statistics reveal that nearly 1,000 motorcycles are registered every day.