As Hyderabad prepares to welcome the New Year, the city police have issued a stern warning to cab and auto-rickshaw drivers against refusing passengers or demanding extra fares. Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has made it clear that such practices will face immediate legal action.
Zero Tolerance for Fare Refusal and Overcharging
In a clear directive shared on social media platform X, Commissioner Sajjanar stated that any refusal by cab or auto drivers to accept rides, or any demand for fares higher than the booked amount, will not be tolerated on New Year's Eve and at midnight. The police emphasized that this behavior exploits citizens during a celebratory time.
The Commissioner specified that violators will be booked under Section 178(3)(b) of the Motor Vehicles Act. This section deals with penalties for drivers who refuse to ply or demand excess fare, ensuring a legal framework is in place for enforcement.
How to Report Violations
The Hyderabad Police have provided a dedicated channel for passengers to report any inconvenience faced. Citizens are urged to immediately report incidents by sharing specific details via WhatsApp. The required information includes:
- The vehicle number
- Time and location of the incident
- A screenshot of the ride booking details
Reports should be sent to the Hyderabad Police WhatsApp number: +91 94906 16555. This streamlined process aims to ensure swift action against offenders.
Continued Crackdown on Drunk Driving
This warning against transport malpractices comes alongside the police's ongoing campaign against drunk driving. Using the hashtag #HyderabadPoliceBoleToh — Zero tolerance to drunk driving, the force has been actively raising awareness on social media.
In a witty yet firm post on Wednesday, the police humorously addressed attempts by some individuals to cite non-existent laws. "Indian law has not discovered Sections 123 and 567. So if you're trying to school our personnel on these imaginary rules while wobbling behind the wheel at 2 AM… congratulations! Your destiny is clear: stand-up comedy, fiction writing, or viral family humiliation," the post read. This highlights their no-nonsense approach to traffic violations during the festive season.
The combined focus on both passenger rights and road safety underscores the Hyderabad Police's comprehensive strategy to ensure a safe and hassle-free New Year celebration for all residents and visitors in the city.
