Soon after the Delhi High Court issued a directive to put the plying of e-rickshaws in the city on hold, the Delhi Traffic Police swung into action and impounded many vehicles. “We are yet to receive a copy of the order but since it had to be enforced from Thursday, all the officers were directed to ensure that none of them is seen on the road,” said Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Muktesh Chander.
The Traffic Police personnel immediately fanned out and began stopping e-rickshaws from ferrying passengers. They also directed them to quickly find themselves a parking spot. The e-rickshaws, driven by those who did not have parking facility close by, were also impounded.
The impounding continued till late evening but the Traffic Police could not provide the total count of vehicles impounded by it.
A traffic constable said that there was some resistance from some of the drivers as they had to ask their passengers to de-board. “Some tried to reason by arguing that they were not aware of the orders. Those who were said that it came after they had left home but since we had orders, no leeway was given to any driver,” he said.
Since the e-rickshaw drivers cannot be prosecuted under the provisions of Motor Vehicles Act, traffic policemen have often found themselves helpless in reining in the errant ones, especially those who break traffic rules. A few months ago, the Delhi Police had started prosecuting these drivers under Section 279 of the IPC.
