A drive was conducted by RTO officials in Mumbai to catch auto drivers who flout various rules. The drive was conducted from February 28 to May 2. Under the drive, flying squads of RTO officers posed as passengers to catch such drivers red-handed.
A total of 5,212 auto drivers were caught flouting various rules, and 2,600 licences were seized. Licences of over 700 auto drivers were cancelled who refused to play short distance. Some other offences included overcharging, carrying more than three passengers and driving without licence or badge. 171 auto rickshaws were also seized during the drive.
“On the direction of the transport commissioner, 14 flying squads were working in the city to crack down on errant auto drivers,” said assistant regional transport officer Tanaji Chavan, who is leading the drive. He confirmed that the licences of over 700 drivers were cancelled for refusing short distance fares”, Transport Commissioner Shekhar Channe told Mumbai Mirror. The incidents of flouting rules by drivers was also recorded by RTO officers so that it would help prove the case if case drivers decided to appeal before court.
