Commuters’ role key to ‘punishing errant autorickshaw drivers’

It is a little over four months since the State Government said autorickshaws must engage fare meters, evoking cheer from the public and growls of discontent from autorickshaw drivers. But, even after the setting up of a complaint registration cell, and heightened awareness about revised rates, one cannot be sure of a fair-price ride.

The onus rests partially on the public as well, says P. Vijayaraj, Joint Transport Commissioner (Road Safety), State Transport Authority.

“The public has a responsibility here. We do receive complaints. But when the complainants are asked to appear at the office of a Road Transport Officer to confirm the violation, they just do not show up.”

Three-rung system The Chennai City Traffic Police has a three-rung punishment system for offenders. At the first violation, the driver is expected to pay a fine of Rs 500. Caught for the second time, the treatment turns severe – a “permit violation case” is slapped, which will entail three-four days of no rides, intense scrutiny of ownership documents, and a Rs 2,500 fine.

A driver found on the wrong side of law for the third time could be stripped of his permit. Often in the case of habitual violators, the complainant is expected to appear personally and strengthen the case, which is where many cases fall flat, says Vijayaraj.

SMS complaints The police have started accepting SMS complaints from December 19. The vehicle’s registration number alone is enough for action.

“Earlier, our autorickshaw drivers cared little about saying no to meters. After a quick rise in complaints, we decided the disciplinary action should act as deterrents too,” said an official with the grievance cell.

When the grievance cell opened its telephone lines for complaints in late August, it received an average of 300 calls each day, now it is a little over 60; the decline is attributed to the tight implementation of rules. From an autorickshaw driver’s perspective, this is draconian: Detaining vehicles based on an SMS is atrocious, said M.S. Rajendran, State General Secretary, Tamil Nadu Autorickshaw Drivers’ Federation. He said the police are quick to slap fines, without the due process of asking the complainant to make his case.

“We have the receipt record of a fine paid by a member of our organisation for not having a seatbelt in his vehicle. With such antagonistic terms with the police, the regulation is bound to be one-sided.”

In all the wrangle, the call taxi will surely appear a better option for the commuter, said Vijayaraj.

> bharani.v@thehindu.co.in