Bhubaneswar: The Khurda district administration had introduced the "No Helmet No Petrol" rule for two-wheelers more than a year ago. However, no one follows it now.

The initiative, which was taken as part of road safety awareness, has failed to get a response from the citizens. The district has 74 filling stations, including 30 in Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation limits.

Petrol pump owners said in the initial months, they had ensured the implementation of the initiative and returned customers without helmets.

"Gradually people started arguing with our employees and some customers also abused them. Considering the situation, it became impossible for us to impose the rule. The authorities should ensure the safety and protection of our employees," said a petrol pump owner.

Initially the filling stations had also kept spare helmets for customers in a hurry, especially in medical cases. Such customers were asked to put on the spare helmets and return it after refilling. However, after a few months this practice was stopped as well.

A transport official said the mandatory use of helmets by two-wheeler riders alone could reduce accident deaths by 20 to 30 per cent. The risk of death is nearly two times more among riders not wearing a helmet as compared to those wearing one. Statistics reveal as many as 186 people died in 598 road accidents in 2016 while the city had witnessed 600 accidents in 2015 leaving 175 dead.

Regional transport officer, Bhubaneswar II, S.K. Behera said they would shortly convene a meeting with petrol pump owners to sensitise them.

"We will also ask them to provide CCTV footage of errant customers and based on the footage, we will serve them notices. We will also make surprise checks at the filling stations," said Behera.