Running Without Meters
Police drive against auto-rickshaws begins
Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) yesterday began its second phase of drive against CNG-run auto-rickshaws that have no meter installed and charge fare on contract.
CMP Deputy Commissioner (traffic) Faruque Ahmed said they extended dates for calibrating meters of the auto-rickshaws three times in April.
"The deadline expired on April 27. So we started the drive finally today (Wednesday) and there is no alternative to run the auto-rickshaws without meters," he said.
CMP (traffic department) filed 146 cases on the drive's first day yesterday, as the auto-rickshaw drivers were found running on contract despite the meters being usable.
Some of the cases were filed against auto-rickshaws that have no meter installed, and as per new rules, each driver is being fined Tk 1400 for not carrying passengers on meter.
Meanwhile, Chittagong Auto Rickshaw, Auto-Tempo and CNG Owners Association demanded the government distribute quality meters free of cost to the drivers.
They said currently 13,500 CNG-run auto rickshaws are plying in Chittagong metropolitan area, but problems arise for low quality meters.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments