THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Hours after the city police’s new team took charge, the cops swung into action and launched a drive against autorickshaw drivers who violate traffic rules, operate without fare meters and are charging exorbitant fares. The crackdown, which is on for past one week, saw over 100 drivers being booked by the city traffic police for various violations. Among those booked, around 35 have been charged for running without meters while the remaining landed in soup for not having badges and the necessary documents like the driving license and RC book. Recently the city police had initiated a special drive called ‘Aey Auto’. According to the police, the ongoing drive is a continuation of the steps initiated during Aey Auto and aims to put a stop to the autorickshaw drivers’ penchant to fleece passengers.
The most common complaint passengers have is that auto drivers refuse short-distance trips. According to Sreekumaran Nair, a senior citizen who often relies on autorickshaws, the drivers refuse short distance trips and even if they do comply, the fare charged is exorbitant. “We receive a large number of complaints from passengers blaming autorickshaw drivers of literally ‘taking them for a ride’. Some of them even have complained of harassment,” said police officials. The people most affected are those coming from other states, said the cops. “Since they are not aware of the auto fares in the state, the visitors end up paying double the amount shown in the meter,” said a police officer.
The drivers were booked during inspections conducted at Thampanoor, East Fort, Palayam, Statue, Medical College, Museum, Poojappura, Peroorkada and Kazhakoottam, police officers said. “We found many driving their vehicles while intoxicated,” said a cop. It has also come to light that in order to charge the passengers more the drivers take the long-winding routes. In the ongoing drive, the police have registered cases against 25 drivers while others have been warned and fined.
“Strong action will be taken against violators in the coming days. There will be no room for leniency,” P Prakash, City Police Commissioner told ‘T’Puram Express. The city police have also instructed drivers to ensure that the goods forgotten by passengers are brought promptly to the City Police Control Room or the nearest police station.
Instructions for autorickshaw drivers
Autorickshaws coming to the city from rural areas with passengers will not be allowed to ferry passengers from or within the city without valid city permits
The registration number of the vehicle is to be painted inside the vehicle and only legally allowed rear-view mirrors can be used
The city permit number of the vehicle should be displayed outside the auto
They should display minimum fares, kilometre fares and waiting charges inside the vehicle.
Uniform for drivers are compulsory, while drunk driving and use of mobile phones will be dealt with strictly
Music systems are prohibited inside autorickshaws
Misbehaviour, especially to women and senior citizens, will be dealt with seriously
Refusal of night trips too will not be allowed