Tirupati cops to crack whip on erring auto drivers

 TIRUPATI: Tirupati police have decided to crack down on autorickshaw drivers who have been caught breaking traffic rules and regulations. The police will send a list of drivers caught driving without a licence or flouting traffic rules to the road transport authority, who will, in turn, take stern action against them.

 According to traffic DSP B. Narasappa, as part of the special measures taken by the police to improve traffic management in the city, the police department decided not to allow any autorickshaw driver who does not have a driving licence or city permit to operate autos in the city, beginning June 15. He warned that anyone caught flouting traffic rules beyond the deadline would face harsh penalties.

 The DSP, who held a meeting with auto drivers on the need of adhering to traffic rules to ensure a smooth flow of traffic in the city, stated that the autorickshaws operating in the temple city must have a valid registration certificate, insurance, city permit and driving licence, or else the vehicle would be seized. To prevent traffic troubles in the city, auto drivers must follow rules and regulations, he said.

 "While driving, auto drivers must wear uniforms and avoid rash driving. Fleecing travellers, especially pilgrims, overcrowding and parking at illegal places are all strictly prohibited. Auto drivers should not stop their vehicle for passengers to get off wherever they want because it causes traffic problems," he noted.

 The Tirupati police issued a circular with a set of instructions that are to be followed by auto drivers. A special drive would also be launched soon to check on whether they are conforming with it. Apart from the measures taken to check errant drivers, a team at the city command control centre will continuously monitor the auto rickshaws plying in the city through surveillance cameras. These measures were taken in light of complaints against auto drivers committing atrocities such as fleecing and refusing to accept hires, the traffic DSP added.