Nagpur police warn auto-rickshaw drivers against overloading and plying in restricted areas

Nagpur Police have sent a clear message to auto-rickshaw drivers that there will be no more leniency on traffic rules. To keep the city's traffic moving smoothly and people safe, the police have adopted a tough stance.

An important meeting of auto-rickshaw drivers was held on Tuesday in the conference hall of the Police Bhavan. Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil presided. Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajendra Dabhade and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Aditya Mirkhelkar were also present.

Nangre Patil told the drivers bluntly to follow traffic rules strictly. He said keeping the city's traffic disciplined and ensuring passengers' safety is a shared responsibility.

The greatest emphasis was on overloading. The commissioner directed that no auto driver should carry more passengers than the vehicle's capacity, besides the driver. Plying autos in restricted areas will also be completely prohibited.

The administration believes that carrying more passengers than permitted greatly raises the risk of accidents on the roads, endangering the lives of ordinary citizens and passengers. For this reason, no leniency will be shown.

The traffic department will run a special drive and take immediate punitive action against drivers who break the rules. Drivers caught violating them will face action.

At the meeting, police officers also expressed serious concern over congestion at the city's major intersections and unauthorised parking. They told the drivers clearly to park their vehicles only at designated stands.

They also asked drivers not to obstruct traffic by stopping needlessly on main roads. Parking an auto in the middle of the road while waiting for passengers is a major cause of jams.

The police hope this strictness will improve Nagpur's transport system and give the city's residents easier, safer and more orderly traffic.