In a bid to ensure that mechanical meters are being replaced with e-meters in Mumbai, the state transport department said that fitness certificates would not be granted to autorickshaw drivers if they are found without electronic meters during the annual review.
Fitness certificates are to be procured every year, failing which auto drivers are entitled to fine and penalty. State transport commissioner V.N. More said, “The process of installation of e-meters in old autorickshaws will begin from Monday, when the drivers approach the RTOs for fitness certificates. The renewal of annual fitness certificate will not be done if an e-meter is not installed. We are hoping to complete the entire conversion process in the next one year.”
Installations of e-meters is now compulsory for the auto drivers as the HC dismissed a petition demanding quashing of the notification issued by the state in February on making e-meters compulsory in old autorickshaws from April 1.The drivers should ensure that e-meters are tested by an approved government institute, with a seal on them to prevent tampering.
Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union leader Thampy Kurien said, “There are 1.8 lakhs autos in Mumbai alone, and hence we are not sure whether so many e-meters will be available in the market within a year. If fitness certificates are not renewed, the drivers will have no option but to ply their vehicles without them. Drivers will also not get insurance claim in event of vehicle damage if they ply with expired fitness certificates. Further, they will also be forced to pay fines if caught by the traffic police.” The prices of e-meters will range between `1,800 and `3,000. The issue of making e-meters compulsory came in to the fore when the RTO drive against autos revealed that the mechanical meters were tampered with.