In Kanpur, a traffic sub-inspector fined an auto-rickshaw driver Rs 9,700 and seized the vehicle on Friday after discovering it was carrying 18 passengers, far exceeding its capacity.
Incident at Paal Crossing
Traffic sub-inspector Aafaq Khan intercepted the overloaded auto-rickshaw at Paal Crossing on the Kannauj-Tirwa route during a routine checking drive. Upon questioning, the driver, identified as Mukesh, stated that the vehicle belonged to a woman named Sushma and he was driving it on a rental basis.
Expired Documents Lead to Penalty
According to Sub-Inspector Khan, Mukesh initially hesitated to present the vehicle's documents. However, after insistence, the documents were produced and found to have expired. Consequently, the auto-rickshaw was seized and a penalty of Rs 9,700 was imposed for multiple violations, including overloading and lack of valid paperwork.
Legal and Safety Implications
Overloading of auto-rickshaws is a common traffic violation in many Indian cities, posing serious safety risks to passengers and other road users. The fine and seizure serve as a deterrent and highlight the traffic police's efforts to enforce regulations. The driver may face further legal action if the vehicle's registration and insurance are not renewed.
