The transport department has formed special teams to nab autorickshaws flouting the new fare regulations on small lanes and roads in the city.
After the tariff for autorickshaws was revised in August, the drivers were given time till September 15 to get the revised fare cards, and till October 15 to recalibrate their meters. Early this month, the transport department started cracking down on autorickshaws plying without proper permits and meters.
Over 500 autorickshaws have been impounded in the city till date. “Once we started the drive, many autorickshaws running without permits and some from other districts were nabbed,” said a source from the transport department.
Following the drive, some autorickshaw drivers plying the main roads have started going by the revised fares.
“But we have been getting complaints that many illegally run autorickshaws are plying the small lanes and roads in the city and suburbs, especially in Nanganallur and Adambakkam localities. They seem to be charging exorbitantly,” said the source.
Since these autorickshaws are staying away from the main roads to avoid getting nabbed, the transport department has asked its officials to travel in private vehicles to crack down on such errant drivers.
“The passengers can call our helpline for lodging complaints against such drivers. They do not have to reveal their identity, but should provide the registration number of the autorickshaws,” said the source.
Meanwhile, a total of 15,000 autorickshaws have recalibrated their meters till date.
“While autorickshaw drivers are complaining the mechanics are delaying the process, the mechanics claim the drivers are not collecting the equipment on time,” said the source.
To ensure all autorickshaws have proper meters by October 15, the transport department is planning to post its officials at the mechanic shops. “Each motor vehicle inspector along with an assistant will monitor two shops. We have formed 20 such teams,” said the source.
Next month, the department is planning to call for tenders for supply of GPS meters. The equipment may be supplied from early next year. “We are waiting for the decision of the technical committee to set up the control room. We need to know the size of the room and number of computers and manpower needed,” said the official.
The control room is expected to be monitored jointly by the transport department and Chennai traffic police.
