MADURAI:In order to improve safety of passengers, authorities of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) have begun pasting stickers carrying details of auto drivers on autos from Sunday.
Stickers were pasted on autos plying on Kamarajar Salai, Mattuthavani, Madurai Railway Station, Anna Bus Stand, Bypass Road and Periyar Bus Stand. Officials said this would improve the passengers’ convenience since the numbers of auto owners were also displayed.
To reduce complaints against auto drivers and to enable passengers to learn the details of drivers, the Madras High Court had ordered that details of auto drivers and their contact numbers be displayed on autos.
“As per the High Court order, we have pasted the stickers on autos. The stickers will have the details of Regional Transport Office, auto registration number, auto owner’s and driver’s photos, address and contact number. The driver’s licence and batch numbers will also be displayed. The details will be pasted behind the driver’s seat to enable the passengers to view the information while travelling by autos,” said an official.
Officials have decided to paste the stickers in around 8,000 autos and share autos in the district. Displaying details have been made mandatory for new autos.
“These is temporary. Auto drivers have to fix permanent laminated stickers. If we find autos without stickers, they will be penalised Rs 200 for the first time and Rs 500 for repeat offence,” he added.