KOCHI: Complaints are pouring in from various quarters against autorickshaws plying in the city. According to the public, Illegal encroachment of road sides by autorickshaws is causing traffic snarls and distress to pedestrians. This is besides the fact that they are still reluctant to run on meter charge.
Encroachment
The practice often visible on Karukapally-Deshabhimani stretch, Kaloor Junction and near North Railway Station,is adding to the congestion of already-clogged roads. Despite shop owners and local residents raising objection to the issue, the authorities are turning a blind eye to this. Already a pedestrian-unfriendly city due to dilapidated footpaths and poor roads, these encroachments are further eating into the pedestrian space. “Autorickshaws are the main cause of traffic congestion in the city. They way they try to overtake other vehicles and squeeze into the traffic snarls are quite scary. Now, taking up the space of pedestrians is worrisome,” said Vini, a techie residing here. A shopkeeper in the city allege that the drivers are aggressive towards people who demand they move their vehicles.
High fares
Despite several instructions and directives in this regard, most autorickshaws operate without fare meters.”Most of the autos ply without switching on their fare meters. Naturally, they charge high. They reason they cite is increase in the petrol and diesel price,” says Reshma, a resident of Kochi.
This gets reflected in prepaid counters in railway stations and bus stops as well. “Most drivers are unwilling to operate at the rates fixed by the government. Instead they operate illegally from ‘stands’ to fleece passengers. Recently, I had to face the rudeness of an auto driver who demanded twice the amount,” said a commuters Geetu Mohan.
However, an auto driver who operates from the city says most people who do illegal acts do not hail from the city. “The auto drivers from the city usually demand only fair amount,” says Majumdar, an autodriver.
Meanwhile, J Himendra, Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) said actions will be taken against drivers who ply without putting their fare meters.”Those who encounter problems of being charged high fares can always report to the traffic police with the registration number of the auto,” he added.
Since the work of Kochi Metro began, traffic congestion is at its peak due to unavailability of parking facilities. “Especially in
MG Road, Thevara and Kaloor, there is no space for parking. Meetings will be held with Corporation and other civic bodies t in which decisions will be made to reduce the U-turns, which is the major cause for traffic congestion,” said J Himendra.