Tamil Nadu Transport Authority Takes Action Against Commercial Bike Rentals Following Commissioner’s Directive

Chennai, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Transport Authority has commenced a significant operation targeting two-wheelers used for commercial purposes as of Wednesday.

This initiative follows a directive released on December 10 by the Tamil Nadu Transport Commissioner, mandating all Zonal Officers and Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to implement a special campaign aimed at enforcing the Motor Vehicles Act and accompanying rules.

Previously, the Tamil Nadu Road Transport Workers Association had submitted a memorandum highlighting the rampant violations of the Motor Vehicles Act by two-wheelers engaged in commercial activities.

Concerns were also raised by auto and taxi drivers, who complained about the misuse of vehicles that have permits designated for personal use, being exploited for commercial purposes.

A relevant case is presently pending in the Madras High Court.

In the issued circular, the commissioner instructed field officers to ensure stringent adherence to existing rules and regulations.

Zonal officers and district transport officers have been ordered to provide daily updates regarding their enforcement efforts.

The Auto-Taxi Thozhilalar Sangam, associated with the CITU, has also called for a prohibition on bike taxis.

Its General Secretary, S. Balasubramaniam, expressed, “We urge the state government to impose a ban on bike taxis and introduce an auto ride-hailing application instead.”

Drivers of taxis, autorickshaws, and vans in popular tourist regions such as Yercaud have echoed similar sentiments, asserting that bike rentals negatively impact their incomes.

Suresh Babu, a call taxi driver residing in Othakadai within Yercaud, noted that tourists generally favor autorickshaws or taxis for local transportation.

However, since the previous year, some individuals have begun renting bikes to tourists, which has adversely affected local drivers’ earnings.

Local call taxi drivers have raised this issue with the Transport Department and law enforcement, prompting necessary actions.

Following the transport commissioner’s directive, officials have intensified inspections on bike rentals, imposing penalties on offenders.

Salem East Regional Transport Officer D. Damodharan warned tourists against using rental bikes, as they lack government approval.

The ongoing enforcement by transport authorities confirms that the crackdown on bike taxis and rental bikes will persist throughout the state.

Violators will incur hefty fines, and such vehicles may face confiscation.