Just two days before the ‘no helmet no petrol rule’ was due to be implemented in three cities in Kerala, Transport Commissioner Tomin Thachankary has opted to ease the stringent measure to widespread relief of two-wheeler riders in the state.

Citing 'inconvenience to the public', he is reported to have issued a revised order to all deputy commissioners regarding the latest change in rule.

According to Mathrubhumi, the Motor Vehicle Department would now conduct checks at petrol pumps across the state from August 1 and distribute pamphlets to spread awareness in the first phase.

People found riding without a helmet would initially be advised to wear them. Repeated defaulters would attract penalty as per the transport rules.

When Thachankary had first proposed to implement the rule in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode on a trial basis, the move had drawn severe criticism from various quarters.

Transport Minister AK Saseendran had even gone on to ask the commissioner to explain the controversial rule, opining that it should not be the cause of inconvenience to the public. He however went on to give his assent a few days later.