Drive against defective auto meters

KOCHI: Autorickshaws operating without working meters, beware! The Regional Transport Office will soon conduct a drive to spot autos operating with defective meters. “It has been noticed that a majority of autorickshaws in the city are plying without working meters. On an average, three out of five autos in the city are found to be defaulters. Operating without a proper meter makes it easy for them to quote fares according to their whims and fancies,” said T J Thomas, Regional Transport Officer, Kochi. “If an auto is caught without a working meter, the first-time punishment is  a fine of `200 and warning. If this is repeated, the penalty can go up to `2,000,” he added.Meanwhile, the auto drivers claimed that the fluctuating fuel prices are the reason why they refrain from using meters. “These days, the fuel prices are increasing with each passing week. It is not possible for us to operate autos with the minimum charge of `12 anymore,” said Ali, an auto driver. In such a situation, auto drivers are expected to get the meters set according to the fuel price by the Legal Metrology Department. However, they fail to do so. “It is difficult for us to get the meter set every now and then. Moreover, the amount is set at par with petrol prices. This will earn more profits for those who drive diesel vehicles,” said Jose, another auto driver.“All the meters in autos should be verified and stamped by the Legal Metrology Department. The meters are set at a price at par with the government surcharge and hence should be changed each time there is a change in the surcharge,” said N R Prasad, Deputy Controller, Legal Metrology Department, Kochi.