Cuttack, June 13: Police are set to introduce "no helmet, no petrol" rule in the city to ensure road safety from June 20 following its successful implementation in other cities.
Senior police officials today directed all petrol pump owners in the city to strictly implement the concept.
"We held a meeting with petrol pump owners and asked them not to give fuel to two-wheel riders without helmets," said police commissioner Y.B. Khurania.
Khurania also said the concept had already been introduced in other places in the state, including Khurda and Bargarh.
The cops are keen to implement the concept in Cuttack following non-compliance of the compulsory helmet rule for motorcyclists here.
Several petrol pump owners have sought extra security for implementing the rule as they apprehend law and order situation at the respective fuel centres.
"We are ready to implement the concept. But as motorists in Cuttack are not conscious, we fear it may spark resentment and provoke violence , especially by criminal elements," said petrol pump manager Kishore Das.
He said most petrol pump owners have requested regular patrolling near crowded fuel stations .
Senior police officials said they would take adequate measures to create awareness among people before implementing the policy.
As most petrol pumps have already installed CCTV cameras, there would be no law and order issues for implementing the concept that has already been successful in other parts of the state, said a police officer.
Police sources said petrol pump owners and their employees could lodge complaints with the nearest police station during emergencies.
"We will start installing billboards at all filling stations regarding implementation of the rule from tomorrow," said assistant commissioner of police (traffic) P.K. Dalai.
Dalai said efforts were also on to ensure that automobile dealers here sold helmets along with two-wheelers.
"The concept will ensure that motorists adhere to safety norms as they will be forced to wear helmets," said Soumya Pradhan, a commuter.
