The Hindu Business Line : Drive against illegal taxis in Ernakulam

The Motor Vehicles' Department has initiated steps against illegal taxis plying in Ernakulam district in the wake of a High Court order to take action against private cars, which masquerade as taxis and ferry passengers.

The court passed the order following the petition by the Travel Operators' Association alleging that some owners were using private cars as taxis, making a dent into the revenue of the Association.

The RTO officials in the district said that the Department had gathered details of over 100 private cars, which operate as taxis. Most of these vehicles are high-end (premium) cars and multi-utility vehicles, used by corporate managers and the like after they arrive at the airport and railway

stations. A vast number of them operate in and around the airport and have tie-ups with star hotels, the officials said.

`Kalla' taxis

The Motor Vehicles Department will soon issue notice to the registered owners of these vehicles, asking them to stop plying as taxis. They can ply as regular taxis once they take permit for the same. The department is keeping a close watch over the illegal taxis, which are called `kalla' taxis in local parlance.

The officials said that it is difficult to gather evidence against these vehicles, as it is necessary to prove that a cash transaction had taken place between the passengers and the operator.

They are mostly parked in houses. Some travel operators have a fleet of cars, some of which have taxi permits, while others have no permits. Many of these vehicles operate to neighbouring States as well and they get preference over regular taxis (which carry yellow number plates) at check posts. Private cars need not pay entry and road tax at the check posts either.

If all other measures fail, the Department personnel may board these taxis covertly as passengers, to trap the illegal operators. The registration of these cars will be cancelled, as a punitive measure.

Likewise, the department is also planning to take action against `Rent-a-car' as the Motor Vehicles' Act permits only `rent-a-cab' system, not `rent-a-car'. As per law, private cars should not be given for hire. It has come to the notice of the Department that some agencies rent out cars to individuals on daily rent.

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Drive against illegal taxis in Ernakulam