Sambalpur, July 21: The district administration has agreed to the police proposal to direct the petrol pump owners not to sell fuel to motorcyclists, who are not wearing helmets.

"The administration will write letters to this effect shortly," said Sambalpur police superintendent Ashis Singh.

The cops have decided to strictly enforce the helmet rule from September 1 to reduce the number of casualties following road accidents. District-level official, including collector Anjan Kumar Manik and senior police officials and some Bargarh residents, held a meeting today. "We will initiate action against the motorcyclists, who will be found riding bikes without helmets, from September 1. The decision will be enforced across the district," said Singh.

A petrol pump owner said: "We are yet to receive any letter. However, we will certainly comply with the instruction of the district administration. We will not give petrol to the two-wheeler riders, who come without wearing helmet."

"An awareness campaign to sensitise people about the use of helmet will be launched in August, and action will be taken against the violators from September 1," said Singh.

Local residents have welcomed the decision. "We have seen people surviving fatal accidents just because of wearing a helmet. Most people in the city do not use helmets. People must follow the rule for their own safety," said local resident Ashis Panda.

Besides enforcing the helmet rule, the police will also take action against bikers with more than one pillion rider and drunk drivers. A decision has also been taken to sensitise parents to discourage underage driving. Motorcycle owners will also be asked to carry the vehicle's registration documents along while riding their two-wheelers.