Police book 500 auto drivers

Police book 500 auto drivers
Deccan Herald

For once, the desperate pleas of harassed auto commuters were heard. The Bangalore Traffic Police conducted a surprise drive against erring autorickshaw drivers on Tuesday, following which nearly 500 autorickshaws were booked for violations under the Motor Vehicles Act and Karnataka Motor Vehicles Regulations. The guilty autorickshaw drivers were asked to appear before the traffic court and pay the fines.

Nearly 50 autorickshaw drivers held a protest near Mysore Bank, disrupting traffic for about 15 minutes from 12 noon. However, they were quickly dispersed by the Traffic Police. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic (East) M A Saleem said the drive was conducted following a flood of complaints through telephone, letters and e-mails against autorickshaw drivers in the last few months. The complaints were related to excess fare, faulty meters, refusal to come on hire, causing pollution, and rash and negligent driving.

“Refusing to come on hire and demanding excess fare is a legal offence and a violation of permit conditions. Many passengers who travel during odd hours to reach bus-stops and railway stations face hardships because of unrelenting autorickshaw drivers. Many demand more than the stipulated late night charges, which is also an offence,” he said. Saleem said the department is planning to open more pre-paid autorickshaw counters.