Mumbai:
Auto-rickshaw drivers in Thane are on top of the cops' list for flouting traffic rules. Traffic policemen register cases against the offenders who flout the traffic rules under 43 different heads. Of these, 11 heads relate to offences mainly committed by auto-rickshaw drivers.
Refusal to ply, excess fare, carrying passengers without permit, carrying excess passengers, driver without uniform are some of the heads of offences under which the auto-rickshaw drivers are charged. "Auto-rickshaw being a public utility service, they directly come into contact with the common man. Another reason is that the union in the city which is backing the auto-rickshaw drivers is strong, which is why even if one driver faces a problem, 10 others gather to support him," said a traffic officer.
Speaking about offences mainly committed by the auto-rickshaw drivers, the officer added, "Corner parking, refusal to ply and lane-cutting are done mainly by auto-rickshaw drivers." As per the Regional Transport Office, Thane, 86,159 auto-rickshaws have been registered till March 31, 2010, of a total of 1,284,402 vehicles. However, apart from the 11 heads, there are other offences like talking on mobile phones while driving, jumping signal, rash driving, lane cutting and driving without insurance, among others in which too, auto-rickshaw drivers are charged by the Thane traffic police."
Getting an auto is a tough task, but reaching safely while travelling by an auto is tougher, as drivers indulge in breaking traffic rules often," said Savita Rane, a commuter from Thane.
"City is worst in transportation. Be it bus drivers or auto-rickshaw drivers, rash driving and rude behaviour is common," said Yogesh Mhamunkar a regular commuter.
"Travelling by an auto-rickshaw is frightening. Refusal and excess fare are common. Their rash driving gives me the creeps," Sonali Bansali added.
"What frightens me is lane-cutting. Autos being small in size, drivers try to overtake without bothering about the accidents." Said another commuter Jaypratap Reddy.
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