In pics: Errant Gurgaon auto drivers tamed after recent police crackdown

Residents claim to have noted a positive change in the attitude of autorickshaw drivers after the recent crackdown by traffic police.

Residents claim to have noted a positive change in the attitude of autorickshaw drivers after the recent crackdown by traffic police under its special enforcement initiative in the city in the last one month.

Commuters said auto drivers, who used to drive rashly and jump traffic signals, have started following the speed limit and do not overtake sharply anymore (Isha Sahni/HT Photo)

Residents said even shared autos, which were known for unruly and rash driving, have started abiding by traffic rules.

Commuters said auto drivers, who used to drive rashly and jump traffic signals, have started following the speed limit and do not overtake sharply anymore. They added that drivers now stand in proper queues instead of crowding already overcrowded spots like metro stations.

Many auto drivers had gone on a strike to protest against the crackdown, leaving the rest to charge exorbitant fares from commuters, but the police continued challaning drivers for not abiding by traffic rules. Over 2,500 autos were impounded and another 1,000 challaned after the drive was initiated in August.

“When the auto drivers went on a strike, we had to pay at least 300% more than the regular fare. But the drive has been beneficial as the drivers’ attitude is changing and they are making efforts to not break the laws,” said Sagar Batra of Sector 53.

Over 2,500 autos were impounded and another 1,000 challaned after the drive was initiated in August.

Residents said even shared autos, which were known for unruly and rash driving, have started abiding by traffic rules. From ferrying 10-12 people in one vehicle, they are now seen allowing only six to seven people out of fear of being challaned.

“Now, I take the shared autos to work at times. The vehicles are much safer now as the drivers do not carry 10 passengers. They even drive slower and stop at traffic junctions,” said Kushal Singh, an MNC employee and Dwarka resident.

The drivers have also removed extra seats from autos that were used to carry more passengers.

The drivers have also removed extra seats from autos that were used to carry more passengers.

“Driving near shared autos has always been risky. Earlier they did not use indicators, but now some of them have started slowing down. There has not been a 100% change, but even the slightest change will help in improving traffic in Gurgaon,” said Kapil Bhardwaj, an employee of the Indian Air Force.

However, some commuters said a lot is yet to be done to discipline auto drivers. They pointed that a number of drivers still do not wear their uniforms and are seen in civil clothes. The commuters also said that lack of fare meters in the autos give their drivers an undue advantage as they charge different prices from different passengers for the same distance.

“A lot of drivers still do not wear their uniforms and drive rashly. The police and administration also need to introduce metres in autos to bring uniformity in fares,” said Priyanka Yadav of Sector 15.

Police officials said the drives will continue till the city’s drivers, of both private and commercial vehicles, start abiding by rules and reduce traffic snarls in the city.