Tamil Nadu - Salem   

Call to regulate share autos

By Our Special Correspondent

SALEM, SEPT. 14. The Federation for Associations of Consumer and Environment in Tamil Nadu has urged the officials of the Regional Transport Office and police to regulate the movement of share autos in the city.

According to the federation president, A. Asokan, share autos were frequently involved in accidents mainly due to overloading.

Many of its operators and drivers had no licence and other necessary documents. Hence whenever an accident involving a share auto occurred, those who travelled in them could not get compensation.

Many of the drivers of autos and share autos used kerosene instead of petrol thus causing pollution and severe health hazards to road users.

Those who drive behind these vehicles experience severe eye burning. The entry of share autos had forced the drivers of regular autos to convert their vehicles into share autos. This was being done without the knowledge of the officials concerned.

No tickets issued

Mr. Asokan further pointed out that those who travel in share autos were not given tickets. Even trip sheets were not being maintained in most of these vehicles.

Many of these operate in routes with frequent town bus services.

The federation secretary, P.G. Vidyasagar, said that this would not help consumers. Instead these autos should operate in Alagapuram, Periyapudur, Kattur, Sevvapet, Car Street and Lee Bazar. "These areas are congested and need share autos only," he added.

`Take action'

They also pointed out that all these violations were either permitted or went unnoticed.

Neither the officials of the Regional Transport Office nor the police took any action against these erring auto drivers.

They would be forced to take legal action if the officials refused to take necessary action in this regard, they added.

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