Police crack down on errant rickshaw drivers

NASHIK: The city traffic police on Thursday detained 87 autorickshaws during a special drive against undisciplined drivers. Large number of people operate autorickshaws without having the licence to drive and badge, police said.
The city traffic police launched the drive on Thursday to keep a check on the unruly drivers. Senior police officials said that they would be taking action against 100 rickshaw drivers and were not in a position to detain more vehicles due to the lack of space.
Inspector Ramesh Patil, in-charge of the traffic department, said, "Seventy-two rickshaws were detained near Central Bus Stand, while 15 were detained in the Nashik Road area."
"Vehicles of all rickshaw drivers, who are not carrying any document with them while operating in the city, are being detained. Those not wearing the uniform or displaying badge, found operating front seat, are being fined immediately. Those who do not have any document with them, their rickshaws are being detained," he added.
Officials said that the action was being conducted in areas like Dwarka, Shalimar, CBS, Raviwar Karanja, Panchavati Karanja and Nashik Road. Four inspectors, two sub-inspectors and 30 traffic personnel took action against errant drivers in different parts of the city on Thursday.
Patil said that rickshaws were detained and brought to the traffic office behind the CBS on Trimbak Road. The drivers can take their vehicles if they produce documents later at the police station. "If we come across rickshaws whose owners have no documents, such persons will be sent to the court for further action," he said.
Police officials said that a large number of people were into the rickshaw business without having the licence to drive and badge to operate autorickshaws. Moreover, many drivers were operating autorickshaws that were in bad condition.
Officials said that many rickshaw drivers argued with them that it was not possible to carry the documents with them all the time and had hence left them home. Such rickshaw drivers were asked to bring the documents and take back their vehicles.
Patil said that the action would continue till further instructions from senior officials.