AGARTALA, Jan 3 (TIWN): The traffic Police on Sunday has launched its efforts to nab the auto rickshaw drivers who charge in excess of fares and are plying with more number of passengers.

Despite of regular drive and charging fine by the Traffic Department, some unruly auto drivers still continues to carry more that passengers in the broad day light.

The traffic department has stepped in to check on the auto rickshaw drivers. Overcharging and refusal by drivers to take passengers to certain destinations are the most common complaints.

It is also to be mentioned here that to conduct free and smooth police week in the state the department has taken the initiative to control the traffic measures in the streets.

Since Sunday morning none of the autos were allowed to commute passengers from main road junction at Nagerjala over the bridge. Traffic police tighten vigil against errant auto drivers and were continuously tracking the autos plying on the road.

Despite High Court direction to carry only 3 passengers at a time, it was noticed that that auto rickshaw drivers were carrying 4 to 5 passengers in the broad day light under the eye of the Traffic police in the streets of Agartala.

It is alleged that the Traffic rules and regulation are limited to the pen and paper and nothing is practically implemented.

The department is regularly checking the violation of the traffic rules by the auto drivers and is taking the necessary action. Interestingly, question arises if action is being taken why there is a report of traffic rule violation in the streets.

A passenger alleged that, not only the auto drivers carries more than 3 passengers they also charges hiked fare from every commuters. Day after day auto rickshaws and other contract vehicles in Tripura are charging higher fares from commuters, following the state transport department’s effort to restrict the number of passengers travelling in these vehicles. Auto rickshaw drivers charged much higher fares from commuters across the state.

A passenger stated that auto rickshaws are the only major source of travelling in the streets of Agartala and taking that advantage of situation the auto rickshaws in normal times charge higher fares at night or during rain, completely violating the government fare rate.

Day after day the auto drivers are ruling in the streets of Agartala violating the direction of the High court and the authority is playing the role of a silent spectator.