Cuttack, Oct. 19: Police's much-hyped "no helmet, no petrol" rule has failed to change the habit of two-wheeler riders here even after three months of its implementation.

Motorcyclists can be seen openly violating the norms because of a lack of enforcement on part of the police's traffic wing as well as owners of the petrol pumps concerned. The police introduced the rule on July 1 to instil discipline among the two-wheeler riders by making them wear helmets.

"I started wearing a helmet after the rule was introduced here. But, I stopped after I saw many riders coming to the filling stations without helmets unopposed," said 27-year-old businessman Sk Baktiar.

Sanjay Mohanty, another biker, said: "The rule has completely failed because the implementing authorities did not launch a rigorous campaign after its introduction."

However, senior police officials said the rule was launched to make the two-wheeler riders wear helmets for their own safety. They claimed that it was a campaign to raise awareness.

"As it is an awareness campaign, the involvement of the public is essential in making the concept successful. Traffic personnel can fine a rider for not wearing a helmet, but there is no provision to penalise them for not wearing one at the filling stations," said assistant commissioner of police (traffic) P.K. Dalai.

According to official sources, the campaign initially got the desired result as riders were seen coming to the filling stations putting on their helmets as traffic personnel were initially deployed across the city's petrol pumps. At present, there is no such deployment to supervise the rule's implementation.

Besides, the petrol pump employees also do not generate awareness or deny fuel to those coming without helmets. They alleged that mostly local residents and some criminal elements created disturbances whenever they were refused petrol for not wearing helmets, affecting the implementation of the concept.

"Our staff members do not feel safe denying fuel for fear of attacks. So, we provide petrol to everyone, including those coming without headgear," said a petrol pump manager on the condition of anonymity. Most owners said a combined effort should be made to ensure the implementation of the "no helmet, no petrol" rule in true spirit.

"Instead of denying petrol, the petrol pump staff members can report the matter to either the cops or the transport authorities, which can then take appropriate measures against the violators. There should also be a penal provision," said Choudhry Bazar resident Kishore Agarwal.

A senior police official said they would shortly convene a co-ordination meeting with the petrol pump owners for proper implementation of the rule. The pump owners can also lodge complaints against those creating law and order problems at their respective filling stations.