The traffic police in Mira Road, Bhayandar, Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar have collectively recovered Rs 2.21 crore in fines from autorickshaw drivers for a host of road safety violations last year. Officials said their efforts have brought in better road discipline in the area. The errant auto drivers were penalised for infractions like carrying excess passengers, jumping signals, wrong side driving and not wearing the uniform. Officials said on-the-spot fines formed a big chunk of the amount, while many challans have remained unpaid.

Dadaram Karande, the senior inspector of Virar traffic division, said over 2,600 auto drivers were issued challans last year. “Most of the autorickshaw drivers were not wearing their uniform and badge while ferrying passengers in Virar; for which over 5,000 drivers have been penalised,” said Karande, who has also been given charge of Vasai traffic division. “In Vasai, we have penalised over 5,700 drivers for not wearing uniform and badge,” he said. Most drivers have now fallen in line, said the officer.