Rarotonga cops are stepping up motorcycle helmet enforcement as the island heads in to the silly season.

Police spokesman Trevor Pitt said there had been a “slow build-up” of enforcement since it became mandatory for everyone riding on a motorcycle to wear a helmet.

Between 2017 and 2020, it was reported that 633 people had been injured in motor accidents, with more than 500 on motorcycles or scooters.

Only 59 of those people were understood to having been wearing helmets.

“The traffic enforcement is being stepped up overall for a few reasons,” Pitt said. 

“One, the division has a new commander, two, we’re heading into festive season. Three, there are a couple of lax areas, which require attention, one being helmets.”

He said the slow build up in helmet enforcement was initially attributed to a short supply of helmets, which didn’t help, as it failed to meet the demand. 

“Plus, there was an initial leniency to allow drivers to get their heads covered. 

“Enough time has lapsed in which properly resourced enforcement can now be applied.”

The largest group of drivers incurring traffic penalties are those aged 25 and under, at more than 40 per cent of all drivers ticketed. 

This share jumps up to nearly 66 per cent when expanded to include drivers aged 35 and under.

Meanwhile, Pitt reported the number of traffic tickets issued by police in 2021 is likely to hit the 600 mark. 

That figure represented a significant drop on 2020, which reached more than 1000.

“The reduction of minor offence notices in 2021 is due primarily to the lower number of traffic stops conducted by police on the road, including checkpoints. 

“Reduced traffic enforcement checks have resulted because of staffing movements and reassignment, throughout a year of constraints. 

“Additional duties like managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) for the four flights have also played a role in diverting resources.”  

While Pitt said he could not access historical traffic ticket figures, the bulk of fines in 2021 had been issued for failures to maintain warrants of fitness and annual registration. 

“Speeding and the failure to wear a motorcycle helmet are the next main infringements. 

“As police step up the enforcement on the wearing of approved safety helmets, this penalty is likely to increase beyond the present 20 per cent share of the minor offence notices.”