Mayor of Coimbatore Corporation P. Rajkumar and Singanallur MLA R. Chinnasamy met the City Police Commissioner in connection with the action taken against the autorickshaw drivers who fleeced customers.
“About three months ago an autorickshaw driver of the city approached the Madras High Court stating that the government fixed fare for Coimbatore is not feasible. The court asked an explanation on the same from the Government and is awaiting a reply. We have requested the police commissioner not to initiate action against drivers till judgement was pronounced for the case,” Mr. Chinnasamy, who is also the State Secretary of ATU told The Hindu .
Following representations from the autorickshaw drivers attached to the Anna Trade Union, they met the Commissioner A.K. Viswanathan.
Mr. Chinnasamy said, “We are not supporting fleecing, as we would not go against the fares fixed by Amma.” But, the request was made to the Police Commissioner to ensure that livelihood of autorickshaw drivers was not affected.
He was confident that the drivers would be able to operate at the fares fixed by the government if the fare is increased to Rs. 30 for the first 1.5 kms and Rs. 15 for every additional kilometre.
Meeting
Mr. Rajkumar, who is also the All India Anna Dravida Munetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) Coimbatore Urban District Secretary, said, the party also organised a meeting for the drivers here on Wednesday asking them not to fleece commuters.
Mr. Viswanathan told The Hindu that the police assured support to the people’s representatives. The police would however, ensure that drivers who are not plying at the fares fixed by the government do not disturb drivers collecting the government fixed fare.
