Dasari Srinivasa Rao Vijayawada

Ina special drive to prevent road accidents and ensure the safety of passengers, particularly women and children, NTR District Police Commissionerate traffic police have removed closed covers fitted at the rear of around 1,500 auto rickshaws over the past two days. On the directions of Police Commissioner SV Rajasekhara Babu, the special inspections are being conducted at major traffic junctions across the Commissionerate under the supervision of Traffic DCP Shareen Begum and Traffic ACPs. Traffic inspectors, along with their staff, are participating in the enforcement drive.

Traffic DCP Shareen Begum said closed covers at the rear of autos restricted drivers’ visibility of vehicles approaching from behind, increasing the risk of accidents while overtaking and taking turns. She also pointed out that such covers prevented outsiders from seeing passengers inside the vehicles, potentially posing security risks to women, children and other commuters. She instructed auto drivers not to install closed covers at the rear of their vehicles and not to carry passengers beyond the permitted capacity. Drivers were also warned against using mobile phones while driving and operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol.

Drivers were directed to keep their registration certificates (RC), driving licences, fitness certificates and insurance documents readily available. They were also advised to take special care while transporting school children.

Shareen Begum further instructed drivers to display the auto registration number and emergency helpline number 112 behind the driver’s seat in a manner clearly visible to passengers. She warned that violations would attract penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act, while serious offences could lead to vehicle seizure and further legal action.