THRISSUR: The Motor Vehicles Department took action after a photograph of a man riding a scooter with three children, without helmets, on the Thrissur-Ollur road was published in the Kerala Kaumudi newspaper.

The Motor Vehicles Department imposed a fine of Rs 11,500. The action was taken for taking three children on a scooter without wearing helmets and making them sit in the back seat. The scooter was driven by Davis at Akkaraveetil, Ollur. The photo taken by Rafi M. Devasi, published on the front page of Kerala Kaumudi with the caption 'This is not child's play,' has also been requested for the police's traffic awareness poster.

This photo was taken on the day the police shared a note on social media that helmets not only save lives but also save the game. The message from the police in the form of a troll came in the backdrop of the news that Kerala reached the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in history. The catch that was made after the ball bounced off the helmet of Kerala player Salman Nisar was crucial for Kerala in entering the final.

`Such trips on the road are increasing. Children often fall asleep. There is a possibility of them falling when braking suddenly. Widespread awareness is essential.' - M.K. Jayesh Kumar, Thrissur RTO

`It was a mistake on my part to take the children on the scooter this way. But I am happy that it became a message for traffic awareness.' - Davis Akkara, Ollur