Unfair fares, rule breakers, rogue rides: Bengaluru cops book 6,600 auto violations

Bengaluru: A special drive by the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) targeting autorickshaws has revealed widespread violations by drivers.

The drive began on June 16, soon after the bike taxi ban came into force.

"There was a surge in complaints about auto drivers demanding excess fares as demand for autos rose. The drive will continue for four weeks,” MN Anucheth, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), told DH.

While the Transport Department is handling violations of licence conditions, the traffic police are focusing on refusal to hire, excess fare demands, and other traffic rule breaches.

Between June 16 and July 1, the traffic police booked 2,894 drivers for ferrying extra passengers — the highest number of violations. This was followed by 1,399 cases of drivers flouting the uniform code, and 80 cases involving excess schoolchildren.

"Carrying excess passengers is a serious hazard, especially with schoolchildren. This issue extends beyond autos,” Anucheth said.

Officers booked 670 cases for refusing rides and 676 for demanding extra fare. Other violations included 269 cases of driving in no-entry zones, 142 for breaking one-way rules, 212 for ignoring no-parking restrictions, and 84 for parking on main roads. Only one driver was booked for using a mobile phone while driving.

Of the 6,641 total violations, most occurred after dusk in busy areas. Other offences included number plate violations, defective silencers, parking on footpaths, and reckless driving.

Auto drivers are fined Rs 500 for each offence and Rs 200 per extra passenger.

Hike meter fare regularly to cut violations: Auto union

"The demand for excess fares will persist, and only the government is to blame. If meter fares were revised regularly to match inflation, this would not happen. A revision every four or five years makes no sense,” said D Rudramurthy, General Secretary, Auto Rickshaw Drivers' Union.