Refusing rides to cost the earth for auto drivers

Refusing rides to cost the earth for auto drivers
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Beware, auto rickshaw drivers. If you refuse to take passengers to their destination, you will have to pay Rs 2,000 as fine.

The state government has issued a gazette notification bringing such offence by the auto drivers under violation of permit conditions, which provides authorities to fine up to Rs 2,000.

Till date, such cases were being booked under Motor Vehicle Act with a minimum fine. DCP Traffic (East) M A Saleem told this website’s newspaper that earlier in such cases, the drivers would be fined up to Rs 300 under Motor Vehicle Act. ‘‘But, considering the sprouting number of complaints, a stringent law with higher fine was essential,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the traffic police have decided to extend the prepaid auto rickshaw booths to more parts of the City. Saleem said that as prepaid auto rickshaw booths have yielded good results, they would soon install more stands with prepaid auto rickshaws.

He said that already existing booths on M G Road (near Cauvery Emporium), Commercial Street, Kempe Gowda Bus Station and on Kempe Gowda Road have been showing good results, where many come for shopping or entertainment.

‘‘We have plans to install one more prepaid booth on M G Road and Richmond Road and other places. Prepaid auto rickshaws save the hassle of parking,’’ he said.