Auto, taxi drivers could lose permits for tampered meters

Concerned about the three cases in the past three weeks in which electronic meters in autos were tampered with, the state transport department has sent a circular to regional transport offices (RTOs) asking them to file FIRs and cancel permits of erring taxi and auto owners.

Concerned about the three cases in the past three weeks in which electronic meters in autos were tampered with, the state transport department has sent a circular to regional transport offices (RTOs) asking them to file FIRs and cancel permits of erring taxi and auto owners.

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This comes a few days after HT started its Meter Down campaign against auto drivers fleecing commuters.

RTOs have been instructed to file FIRs against the permit holder and driver and serve the owner with a show-cause notice for cancellation of permit. “Only regional transport authorities can cancel permits. After serving notice, a recommendation will be sent to it to cancel the permit,” said a senior RTO official.

Officials hope such stringent action will act as a deterrent.

“We have decided that we will register FIRs against auto drivers who have faulty meters as it’s a form of cheating,” said VN More, transport commissioner.