Bengaluru's auto drivers fined for fleecing, other violations

Bengaluru: Close on the heels of the ban on bike-taxi services, Bengalureans complained about rising incidents of "autocracy" with several incidents of autorickshaw drivers fleecing the commuters with faulty meters.

Cracking the whip on such errant drivers, Bengaluru Traffic Police booked over 1,000 cases Saturday and collected Rs 4.9 lakh in fine from autorickshaws and other traffic violators in the west division. Based on the commuters' ordeal, TOI published a report on traffic violations in its June 20 edition.

During the day-long drive against errant autorickshaw drivers in and around Majestic, Ananda Rao Circle, KSR Railway Station, MG Road, Church Street, Cubbon Park and surrounding areas, 180 cases were booked under various sections of the Indian Motor Vehicles (IMV) Act and fine worth Rs 89,700 was collected. The highest number of cases (84) was booked against auto drivers not wearing the khaki uniform, resulting in a fine of Rs 42,000. Similarly, 52 cases were booked against those demanding excess fare and Rs 21,600 was collected in fine. As many as 44 auto drivers were booked for refusing to go for hire and a fine worth Rs 21,600 was collected, according to BTP officials.

Anitha B Haddannavar, deputy commissioner of police (traffic) West told STOI that there were several complaints against autorickshaw drivers, particularly about demanding excess fares and refusing to go for hire. "Since the ban on bike taxis, there has been a rapid surge in the demand for autorickshaws in Bengaluru. But a few auto drivers are taking advantage of this situation. Hence, we cracked down on them during the special drive in areas where there is large footfall of passengers," she explained.

Apart from this, the BTP officials have also booked 216 cases of violation of parking rules and collected Rs 87,500 in fine from the offenders.

Traffic cops in plainclothes hired autorickshaws to various destinations of the city from the Majestic area and the drivers were caught demanding money above the meter charge.

"An auto ride between Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Metro Station in Majestic and Freedom Park would normally cost Rs 50. But Saturday, auto drivers charged Rs 75-100. Similarly, the RTO officials must also verify the authenticity of the meters in all autorickshaws," explained a senior traffic police inspector.