Meters likely for autos in CB Pur

Speaking at an interaction with auto drivers here on Monday, Circle Inspector of Police Shivakumar said that the proposal would be discussed with Regional Transport Authority, legal advisors and other stakeholders.

The police officer said there have been complaints of auto drivers demanding unreasonable fare even for short distances and there is a need to check the fleecing of passengers by installing meters.

 He said the meter charge on various routes would be arrived at and the drivers should follow the hire so stipulated. He said a campaign will soon be launched to check whether auto drivers possess vehicle documents such as driving licence, fitness certificate, insurance papers etc.

Flouting rules
The CPI said majority of the auto drivers have not been following traffic rules.
 “Most of them do not wear uniform and drive the vehicle in a rash and negligent manner. They have been parking the autos at their will obstructing smooth traffic flow,” he noted and called upon drivers to follow traffic rule scrupulously.

He warned of stringent action against violators including imposing exemplary fine and seizure of the vehicle.

 Demanding more than stipulated fare and harassing passengers also amounts to offence and cases will be registered against drivers in such instances, he warned.
Shivakumar said a separate traffic police has started functioning in the City and the police would henceforth emphasise more on prevention of traffic rule violations.
A new traffic system to address parking problems and vehicular movement on narrow roads would be introduced in a phased manner.

Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union president Dambu Srinivas said they were ready and willing to extend all cooperation with the police as far as following traffic rule is concerned. He however said the police too know the problems of the drivers.

‘More fare inevitable’
“There are more than 1,500 autos in the City and only some have insured their vehicles. It has not been possible to obtain insurance as there is no insurance company in the City,” he pointed out.

The cost of living has been rising every day and it has become impossible for the drivers to meet the ends. “We are constrained to demand more fare. There is none to lend ears to the woes of drivers in unorganised sector,” he said.

Regional Transport Officer K K Khan, Traffic sub-inspector Nayaz Baig, Auto Drivers’ Union vice-president Navamohan, councillor Mobile Babu were present.