Date:07/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/07/stories/2007060716510400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Auto fare meter drive yields results

Staff Reporter

Over 3,000 digital meters recalibrated between May 21 and June 4 More than 3,000 digital meters were recalibrated between May 21 and June 4

CHENNAI : Following an intensive checking of autorickshaws plying in the city, the number of autorickshaws with recalibrated fare meters requiring official seal from the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) is on the rise.

According to a press release from the police, more than 3,000 digital meters were recalibrated between May 21 and June 4. More than 1,500 mechanical meters have been recalibrated during the same period. This is a substantial increase in the number of recalibrated autorickshaws on the roads.

An average of 200 vehicles a day had been recalibrated and given official seal at the RTOs till May 21.

Police commenced intensive checking to find out non-recalibrated fare meters and autos plying without engaging fare meters on May 22.

After that date, the number of fare meters recalibrated and officially sealed has been increasing by 150 per cent, with an average of 500 vehicles coming to RTOs for official sealing.

Since May 22, 477 autorickshaws were impounded for non-recalibration.

And 155 autorickshaws were impounded for not having engaged their fare meters.