Enough of errant, rule-breaking auto drivers!

Officials claimed that most autorickshaw drivers were not wearing their uniforms and they did not have their badges either, while ferrying passengers in Virar. The big bugbear which this space has highlighted earlier, too, was overloading of rickshaws in Vasai Virar, with two passengers even in the driver’s seat

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 uniforms. Officials said on-the-spot fines formed a big chunk of the amount, while many challans have remained unpaid.

Officials claimed that most autorickshaw drivers were not wearing their uniforms and they did not have their badges either, while ferrying passengers in Virar. The big bugbear which this space has highlighted earlier, too, was overloading of rickshaws in Vasai Virar, with two passengers even in the driver’s seat.

It is important that auto drivers fall in line, given how vital they are in the public transport landscape in the city and beyond city limits. Better discipline on the roads means a win-win situation for all—the pedestrian, the driver of private cars, and of course, benefits auto drivers, too.

The uniform and badge are mandatory as these are one way of recognising a legit driver. Cops must crack down as they have rightly done, if drivers do not follow this rule.

Overcrowded autos are not to be taken flippantly. The added weight means a balance problem and this can be very dangerous. This edit space has pointed out numerous times that vehicle passenger limits are set for a reason. Transgress that and you are certainly courting big trouble. We have witnessed private two-wheelers carrying four and more people. Autorickshaws double up as ‘school buses’ ferrying so many children. A very serious and thorough check is needed. In the end, it is rules that should rule when it comes to our roads.

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