Kerala Motor Vehicle Department takes action against crowded auto rickshaws

KOZHIKODE: The Motor Vehicle Department has begun cracking down on overcrowded auto rickshaws, especially the modified ones that operate for schoolchildren. Shockingly, the department in the last four days alone has taken action against 26 vehicles transporting students from schools, more than double the prescribed limit. During a recent inspection, MVD brought to light vehicles that carry more than 10 students in a single vehicle, when the limit is less than five in an auto rickshaw.

According to sources, 4310 auto rickshaws are plying in the city limit alone in addition to the 30,000 autos plying in rural areas, of which nearly 850 such vehicles transport students from schools. It was in the wake of several complaints received from the public, the decision was made to take quick action against the overcrowding in autorickshaws and other school vehicles. The Department during the previous academic year had reported 18 minor accidents from the district due to overloading of vehicles.

“Not just the drivers or the owners of the vehicles involved in such violations will be booked but stringent action will also be taken against school authorities, who are equally responsible for not ensuring the safety of students of their institutions”, said Regional Transport Officer K Premanandan. The officials state that they would first start off with a warning and penalty. Repeat offenders would be issued a show-cause notice and their permits would be cancelled.

Reiterating their demand for the Rs 10-in-one’ norm, the leaders of the auto drivers association here alleged that 16-seater vans were carrying more than 30 children, but the Government never bothered to take action against them. Vans, too, were prone to accidents and not three-wheelers alone, they reasoned.

“Many times people travelling in overcrowded KSRTC buses get injured in road accidents. Will the Government ban them or seize them?” they sought to know. As part of curbing such violations, MVD will soon conduct a meeting to evolve a school-wise plan of action with regard to safety of the children in the wake of a series of road accidents leading to the death of children.