With the two-month deadline to recalibrate autorickshaw meters to implement the new fare structure ending on Monday, officials and trade unions have hardened their respective stands.
Ten of the 11 major autorickshaw trade unions here have decided to fight tooth and nail for revision of the new fares announced by the government.
The Anna Trade Union of the ruling AIADMK is the lone exception. Some of the drivers said that the meters have not been recalibrated as they hoped that officials concerned may consider revising the fare.
According to the data from Regional Transport Officers in the city, more than 2,000 autorickshaws were yet to recalibrate the meters.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) T.K. Rajasekaran told The Hindu that 15 teams have been formed to check for fleecing of customers by drivers.
Secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Voice N. Logu said that the enforcement was strict at the railway junction, bus stand, and a few places in the city. Checking was not done in the peripheral areas of the city, and in rural areas.
He said that a toll free number should be announced to report fleecing. Mr. Logu said that permit of vehicles, and licences/badges of drivers caught fleecing commuters should be cancelled.
