Post News Network
Cuttack, June 1: The recent decision of the Commissionerate Police to direct auto-rickshaw associations across the city to ask drivers to wear uniforms has been welcomed by city residents.
“It has become a norm for auto-rickshaw drivers to misbehave and charge exorbitantly from passengers. I hope that the decision has a positive effect,” said Sanjib Meher, a resident of Station Bazaar.
Another resident Anubhav Dalei said uniform for auto-rickshaw drivers has been a rule in cities like Hyderabad for a long time. “It does not totally address the various issues faced by passengers but is an effective tool for the police to identify errant auto-rickshaw drivers,” Dalei said.
ACP (Traffic) Cuttack, PK Dalei, had recently announced that uniforms will be made compulsory for auto-rickshaw drivers in the city. “We had suggested grey colour, but some members objected to it. We have given them (auto-rickshaw associations) a week’s time to decide on the colour,” Dalei said. “Besides uniforms, it will be mandatory for auto-rickshaw drivers to carry identity cards at all times,” the ACP added.
A traffic management committee, formed by the Orissa High Court to resolve traffic problems in the city, had recently decided to implement the dress code for auto-rickshaw drivers.
The committee was of the view that the uniform will help police tighten the noose around auto-rickshaws plying illegally in the city. Police have decided to deal with violators strictly. “The dress code will help us keep tabs on auto-rickshaw drivers. It will be implemented within a month,” the ACP said. The drivers are required to stitch the uniform themselves, he added. Over 4,000 auto-rickshaws ply in Cuttack city.
