Finally, cops to crack down on errant autowallahs

Wednesday, Oct 27, 2010



After putting the brakes on Blueline buses, it's now time to tame the autorickshaw drivers who over the years have earned a level of notoriety comparable to that pertaining to drivers of the infamous service. Having made multiple yet futile efforts to bring to book errant autowallahs, the Delhi Traffic Police will launch a crackdown on them starting Wednesday. Traffic cops have been directed to seize the driving licence and permit of the drivers or confiscate their vehicles on the spot if they are caught violating rules.

"Taming the TSR drivers in the Capital has been a constant challenge. After removal of the Blueline buses from the city roads, disciplining the autorickshaw drivers will significantly contribute in providing the commuters with a comfortable and convenient public transport system," Ajay Chadha, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) said.

As traffic cops point out, rush in popular markets for Diwali shopping has prompted errant drivers to fleece the public. "We have been receiving several complaints against the TSR drivers ahead of the Diwali season. A large number of people depend on the autorickshaws for commuting between their homes and markets. The special drive aims to facilitate commuters and tame the unruly drivers simultaneously," Chadha said, adding that the drive will be intensified in the coming days. Special focus will be laid on pre-paid autorickshaw booths across the city. "Traffic cops in plain clothes will be deployed at various places. Decoy commuters will also be deployed to hunt for the errant drivers and challan them on the spot," he maintained. If a TSR driver is found violating rules repeatedly, the traffic police will recommend to the transport authority for permanent cancellation of his license, permit or the vehicle's registration.

According to the Delhi Traffic Police figures till June this year when the last drive against TSR was launched, more than one lakh autorickshaws have been prosecuted for various offences. Of these, 5,435 vehicles were challaned for permit violation whereas 5,138 drivers were prosecuted for driving without licence. Nearly 11,000 drivers were found without proper uniform and badges on them. Over 14,000 drivers were prosecuted for various violations including refusal, misbehaviour and overcharging. Police impounded over 1,500 autorickshaws plying illegally on the roads.

The special drive will be launched in all five ranges with a special team constituted in each of the circles in these ranges. According to traffic police, special emphasis will be laid on examining the engine chassis number of the vehicles and matching it with the numbers mentioned on the badges. During previous drives it was found that a number of drivers were running TSRs with fake registration and permits. This time, too, the focus will be on verifying the authenticity of the vehicles, the Delhi Traffic Police chief said. The special drive aims at checking incidents of overcharging, misbehaviour, refusal and driving without licence, registration certificate, permit and badges.

"We have been receiving frequent complaints from commuters against the TSR drivers. Most of the complaint dealt with refusal, overcharging and misbehaviour. Also, the drivers refuse to charge passengers according to the meter reading", Chadha said. It may be noted that nearly 55,000 registered autorickshaws ply in the national Capital. During previous drives, police impounded some autorickshaws bearing registration numbers of Uttar Pradesh caught plying within the territory of Delhi. Some of these three-wheelers were also plying with fake number-plates, he added.

Original news source http://www.dailypioneer.com/292552/Finally-cops-to-crack-down-on-errant-autowallahs.html