Though identity cards have been made mandatory for autorickshaw drivers in the city, only a few of them stick to the rule. The City Traffic police implemented the scheme with much fanfare as part of an initiative to improve the security of passengers, especially women.
Nearly 3,000 autorickshaw drivers operate in the city. While issuing the cards, instructions had been specifically issued that the cards should be worn while going for rides.
The police had made it clear that legal action would be taken and fines levied on those flouting the rule. However, not even a single driver in the city has been fined for violating the rule.
“I have seen a few drivers hastily wearing the identity cards on seeing police vehicles,” said Bipin Murali, who regularly hires autorickshaw from railway station to Mankavu. He said that some drivers did not even wear uniforms.
Drivers had been asked to wear the ID cards in such a way that passengers could easily see and read the details on the cards.
Though no major incidents of violence against women by autorickshaw drivers have been reported in the city, ID cards were made mandatory as part of a State-level initiative to check crime against women.
Another decision by the City police to display the details of the vehicle and driver in the vehicle too has been pending for months.
Also, instructions issued by the police asking the drivers to wear pants, and not dhothi, as part of their uniform are also observed more in the breach. The directive was issued following complaints by some women passengers of exhibitionism by some drivers.
