Ordeal on the road by autorickshaws

We are conducting programmes to sensitise drivers to traffic rules, says federation leader

Dangerous practice:Autorickshaw drivers violating traffic rules and stopping haphazardly to pick up passengers is causing traffic problems and, sometimes, accidents. The scene at Dwarakanagar in the city.–Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

The unreliable public transport has led to proliferation of autorickshaws resulting in chaos on city roads.

While one cannot undermine the role being played by autos in providing a convenient and reliable mode of transport, their drivers’ lack of adherence to traffic rules is a matter of concern for other motorists. There are 32,000 autos plying on the roads, according to official estimates while unofficial sources put it at 40,000.

It comes as no surprise that the Transport Department had stopped registration of new autos in the past and the city police had stopped the entry of autos on the Beach Road to avoid traffic congestion. The ban on entry of autos on the Beach Road on weekends and holidays is being implemented from May 24, 2014.

Standing for a few minutes at any junction on the long stretch of National Highway (NH-16) makes one understand the intensity of the problem. The autos drivers stop right on the road and sometimes block half the road without any thought for other vehicles stranded behind them.

While admitting negligence on the part of auto drivers, general secretary of the AP Auto Drivers and Workers Federation State (AITUC) G. Vamana Murthy said improper design of roads and lack of discipline among passengers were also adding to the problems.

“We have been organising awareness programmes to sensitise the drivers. Less than 10 per cent of the nearly 40,000 auto drivers are members of the recognised trade union, while the remaining are not affiliated to any union.

Involvement of the RTA and police authorities in the awareness programmes will ensure greater participation,” he said. “An auto driver can ply his vehicle in a 60-km radius from his residence. An auto registered in Bheemunipatnam or even Vizianagaram can come into the city. Sudden application of brakes, overloading and other traffic violations by auto drivers are resulting in many accidents,” says Motor Vehicle Inspector M. Butchiraju.

“We are advising the drivers not to allow passengers to sit on the sides as they cannot claim insurance when an accident occurs. Nearly 50 per cent of the drivers are not educated and they do not seem to understand the problem,” he added.