Over 152 drivers fined, more than Rs 3 lakh collected in the last month; only 22 had turned up at the two-day e-meter installation camp
Furious over the lack of interest exhibited by the auto drivers towards the two-day electronic meter (e-meter) installation camp, organised by the Deputy Regional Transport Office (RTO) on May 19 to May 20, the RTO has now intensified its drive against those auto rickshaws drivers, who are yet to install e-meters.
Upgradation: An official replaces the old mechanical meter with the new electronic one at the RTO test ground at Vashi. File pic
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“In our drive against auto drivers, who are yet to install e-meters in their vehicles, we have penalised around 152 drivers in the last one month. Of the 152 drivers, around 80 have paid the fine and we have collected over Rs. 3.10 lakh (for non-installation of e-meters and several other charges),” said Sandesh Chavan, assistant regional transport officer. The fines from the remaining drivers will be collected soon. According to sources, most of the auto drivers, approximately 112 of the 152, were fined after the e-meter installation camp flopped following a poor turnout of the auto drivers at the two-day event.
“Auto drivers should install e-meters as early as possible because the amount they are being fined for not having the meters, is almost equivalent to the amount for the installation of an e-meter. We have urged auto unions in the city to ask their respective members to do the needful before renewing their annual permits,” said Chavan.
Manohar Gayke, chairperson of the Shiv Sena led auto-rickshaw union, said, “Earlier, our men were reluctant to install e-meters, but with the RTO initiating stringent action against them, they have started installing the meters. We still have reservations about the installation of e-meters and are holding talks with the RTO officials for the same. However, this will not affect the installation process in any way.”
22
Number of e-meters installed at the two-day camp
Rs 3,000
The amount collected from the drivers for not installing e-meters
Did you know?
Rs 3,000: Approximate cost of an e-meter
9,000: Number of auto rickshaws in Navi Mumbaiu00a0
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