The Delhi Government has launched a week-long drive against overcharging, refusal and misbehaviour by auto drivers, among other violations. Over 124 autos were impounded by the Transport Department till 3 pm on Monday.
Auto drivers were not being penalised for these violations ever since the Delhi Government took away powers of Delhi Traffic Police to impound vehicles under Rule 66/192 of Motor Vehicles Act. Except for four serious violations — driving without permit, without licence, without fitness certificate or under influence of alcohol —traffic police now has no right to impound autos and only Transport Department can do that.
Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai said that after repealing the Rule 66/192 of Motor Vehicles Act, two problems arose and to deal with those problems, this step has been taken. “First, we have been getting lots of complaints from people of refusal by auto drivers, not running by meter, misbehaviour and so on. The auto drives had promised during the Auto Samvad that they will act responsibly if we solve their problems but that has not reflected in their actions. Also, the Delhi Police has been claiming that we have taken away all their powers and that they cannot act against erring auto drivers anymore, which is not true,” said Rai adding that when it comes to driving without licence, under influence of alcohol, misbehaviour and so on, the police always had powers and still does.
Sharing about the ongoing drive against erring auto drivers, Rai said that 22 teams of ten members each have been formed who have been taking action against auto drivers violating permit rules at various Metro stations, bus stops, railway stations, hospitals etc. “The teams comprising Enforcement Department officials and civil defence personnel so far (Monday evening), impounded 124 autos and the drive will continue for one week,” he said.
The enforcement drive is penalising auto drivers for violations including refusal to take passengers, not charging by meter, driving without licence, registration, fitness certificate, pollution certificate and for misbehaviour with passengers.
On the issue of non-implementation of devised formula of installing a sign board mentioning the route being taken by the auto while going home, Rai said that he had a meeting with the auto unions and the formula will soon be implemented. “They will have to display a board mentioning their destination while going home. It will have to be 15"x6" in size with a yellow background with the name of the destination written in clear words in black colour. Without this, the autos will not be given a fitness certificate from now on,” said Rai adding that a notice has also been issued notifying the validity of the formula from today onward.
“We will take all steps for the convenience of the auto drivers. But if they cause any inconvenience to the citizens of Delhi, then we will take strict action against them. We have been carrying out samvad with the auto drivers for quite some time now, but samvad ka asar nahi dikh raha hai (dialogue doesn't seem to be yielding any results),” said Rai adding that action needs to be taken now.