Rajamahendravaram: Rajamahendravaram Sub-Collector Saikanth Verma has ordered petrol bunks here to follow the 'no helmet, no petrol' policy immediately. "Stern action will be initiated against bunks that sell petrol to customers who do not wear helmets," he said.

The Sub-Collector made the announcement after holding a meeting yesterday with officials of the Road Transport Authority, Revenue, traffic, police and owners of petrol bunks. Verma directed the officials to conduct surprise checks at the bunks and submit a report on implementation of the rule.

In fact 'no helmet, no petrol' rule for two-wheeler riders to reduce road accident deaths had come into force in Andhra Pradesh from September last year, with chief minister Chandrababu Naidu urging all the petrol bunk dealers to cooperate.

Chandrababu has sanctioned Rs 10 crore for equipment to implement this rule. He also ordered the officials to conduct a weekly check on the motorists for effective implementation of the rule. Naidu said that road safety rules must be implemented strictly to reduce the number of road accidents in the states. The rule though officially had got implemented, there were no takers. This is evident when the government offical in East Godavari town came with the new traffic rule once again.

On the earlier occasion Chandrababu had advised the officials to bring awareness among the public on wearing helmets and seat belts. For car drivers, it is a must to wear the seat belts. (PTI)