'Collected Rs 84 lakh': Gurgaon auto and E-rickshaw drivers fined for not wearing uniforms

GURGAON: A total of 14,108 auto and e-rickshaw drivers have been issued challans in the last three months for not wearing uniforms. Police have collected Rs 84.52 lakh from May 2024 till this month.
According to the norms, auto, e-rickshaw, and taxi drivers are supposed to wear a grey uniform with a badge on the left shoulder while taking passengers.The govt made the dress code mandatory for all auto drivers from May 20. The uniform, along with the badge, makes it easier for passengers to identify registered auto drivers and distinguish them from unlicensed operators.
DCP (traffic) Virendra Vij said traffic police conducted a special campaign to check if all rickshaw drivers are following the rule efficiently. "The traffic police is running a special campaign at various intersections to raise awareness among auto, e-rickshaw, and taxi drivers. However, most drivers were found operating their vehicles without uniforms," the DCP said.
During the campaign, the police also informed auto, taxi, and e-rickshaw drivers about courteous behaviour with passengers, driving within speed limits, not using mobile phones, avoiding any kind of intoxication, adhering to traffic rules, and provided information about Dial 112 and helpline number 1095 to maximise awareness.
Traffic police are issuing a challan under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicle Act for violation of the dress code. The fines range from Rs 500 for first offence to Rs 1,500 for subsequent offences.
According to the regional transport office (RTO), over 40,000 autos are registered in the city.
"The dress code is expected to instil a sense of responsibility and pride among auto drivers. This, in turn, may help reduce road accidents and ensure safety of passengers," said the officer.