Amid safety concerns, Hyderabad traffic police shut down shared autos

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad traffic police have announced their decision to shut down shared autos in the city, despite the fact that a large majority of the population relies on this mode of transportation. The move comes in response to growing concerns over the unsafe practices associated with shared autos, such as overcrowding, irregular stopping patterns, and illegal parking on roads.

During the meeting held by additional commissioner of police (traffic) G. Sudheer Babu with the City Auto Owners Association, he urged the drivers to adhere to important traffic rules. The union drivers were asked to follow certain rules such as obeying the stop line, avoiding free left obstruction, not stopping in bus bays or in the middle of the road, wearing a uniform, not demanding extra fare or carrying extra passengers, maintaining decent behaviour with passengers, identifying auto stands, and participating in PS level awareness programmes.

Aimed at promoting safe and responsible driving practices among auto drivers, the auto unions from the city, including BRSKV, AITUC, IFTU, BMS, CITU, INTUC, and the City Auto Owners Association, agreed not to allow outside autos and shared autos in the city.

When asked the reason for this initiative, N. Ashok Kumar, DCP traffic, Hyderabad, told NewsMeter, “The use of shared autos in the city is causing problems such as stopping in the wrong places, too much traffic, and blocking other vehicles on the road by parking illegally. These problems are making it difficult for people to get around safely and quickly.”

For safe travel

While the decision to shut down shared autos may disappoint those who depend on this mode of transportation, the traffic police have emphasised the need to prioritise the safety and well-being of the citizens. In this regard, alternative modes of transportation are being explored, and it is hoped that these measures will lead to a more efficient and safer commuting experience for the people of Hyderabad.

Special campaign

Earlier, the Hyderabad traffic police initiated a special campaign to catch auto drivers who violate traffic rules in the city. Some of the common violations observed among auto drivers include carrying more passengers than allowed, driving on the wrong side, driving without proper documents or uniforms, and using mobile phones while driving.