Dubai motorists reminded of safety regulations when refuelling

Despite Civil Defence and Enoc reiterating safety guidelines, motorists were observed leaving their cars unattended during the refuelling process. Antonie Robertson/The National

DUBAI // When it comes to filling up, motorists and petrol station staff alike say safety regulations are being ignored.

One week after a fire ripped through an Enoc petrol station in Al Twar, the company and Dubai Civil Defence issued reminders of safety guidelines for drivers when refuelling.

A visit to several Enoc service stations in the emirate by The National found the vast majority of customers were either unaware of the regulations or ignored them.

“We ask customers to follow the regulations because it’s for our safety and theirs, but most people just ignore us,” said a petrol pump attendant at Enoc’s Barsha South station.

Regulations include switching off vehicles and leaving the bonnet shut. Motorists are also asked not to smoke, use mobile phones, or leave the vehicle while refuelling.

A customer at Barsha South who left his 4x4 said he was unaware of the rule against this.

“I don’t understand the reason why I can’t leave the car while it’s at the pump,” said the driver, who did not wish to be identified.

It was a similar scene at the Enoc station near Mall of the Emirates, where many drivers continued to run their engines at the pump and use their mobile phones at the wheel.

Beni Sreedharan, an Indian expatriate who works as a manager, said most drivers were unaware of safety rules at petrol stations.

Those who are knowledgeable, he said, ignore them.

“I don’t understand the reasoning behind some of the rules, especially regarding leaving the engine running,” he said.

“It might make sense in some other countries where they have older vehicles, but I think the cars are so well maintained here that it isn’t necessary.”

However, Mr Sreedharan said some regulations should be adhered to. Namely, trying to prevent motorists from driving off before removing the refuelling nozzle.

“These rules are more for absent-minded people and, in that respect, there is value in having them. But, to be honest, I never see anyone following them.”

Other regulations include not leaving children unattended in a vehicle and to have a minimum of a quarter tank of petrol at all times.

“I have two cars and I try to make sure I refuel them when they are down to half full,” Mr Sreedharan said.

“That makes sense to me. It’s common sense not to leave it till the last minute.”

Maheen Wahid, a student from Pakistan, parked at the Enoc petrol station on Hessa Street.

Attitudes will only change if those who flout the rules are caught out, said the motorist, who admitted to sometimes falling into that category.

“No one follows the rules because they don’t feel there is a need to.

“I think if they had police on the forecourt then people would definitely take the rules more seriously.

“They could also perhaps use the cameras and identify drivers who break the rules and maybe give fines of Dh100.”

During the hotter months, Ms Wahid said, many people were unwilling to switch off their engines during the refuelling because they wanted to leave the air conditioning on.

“It’s getting very hot now with summer, and I think many people would prefer to keep the car running and use the air conditioning,” she said.

Her friend and compatriot Ali Akhtar, a financial consultant, said petrol station employees had to be more alert.

“We’ve never come to a petrol station and had the staff advise us on what the rules are,” he said.

“People sort of know the rules, but if it’s not reinforced repeatedly then drivers will just ignore it.”

Initial investigations into the fire at Al Twar station revealed it was likely caused by a poorly maintained car that was being refuelled.