Morung News Express
November 16
DIMAPUR: Complaints against over loading of passengers especially in Auto rickshaw and regional taxis, of late, has been pouring in despite the tireless efforts of the traffic and police personnel to discipline the drivers, while observing that nominal challan of overloaded Auto rickshaws is not deterrent. Keeping in view that an overloaded auto rickshaw is prone to accidents as evident from past road mishaps, many of which had claimed many precious lives.
After serious deliberations regarding this issue, the higher authorities have, henceforth, constituted strict measures that the erring driver(s) caught for overloading of passengers will be severely penalized, and have their vehicles seized and a regular case will be filed against them. Furthermore, the RTO shall be asked to cancel the licenses of such erring drivers.
In a press release issued by the Superintendent of Police, Dimapur the President of Dimapur Auto rickshaw Drivers Union was directed to brief the auto drivers of the perils of overloading. The authorities further cautioned the public to avoid sitting in an auto which has more than 4 (Four) passengers.
Also, regional taxis plying with passengers of more than the prescribed capacity of the vehicle have been advised to desist from overloading passengers, since this can have serious consequences besides itself, being the real cause of accidents.
In this regard, there will be regular frisking of vehicles, especially of regional taxis plying on the highways- national and state and within the towns. Offending drivers will have their vehicle and licenses cancelled besides regular case registered against both the owner of the vehicle and the driver.
For this the RTO have been asked to cancel the drivers’ licenses, besides the All Nagaland Taxi Association have also been advised to brief their members accordingly.
This strong measure is being initiated in the common interest of public safety and order.
The drive against overloaded autos and taxis shall start with effect from November 21 according to a notification from the SP, Dimapur.
