Vijayawada traffic police have removed closed covers from around 1,500 autorickshaws during a two-day special drive aimed at reducing road accidents and improving passenger safety across the NTR police commissionerate limits.
The inspections were conducted at major traffic junctions after instructions from police commissioner S.V. Raja Sekhara Babu. Traffic DCP Shirin Begum and traffic ACPs supervised the operation, with traffic inspectors and their teams checking autorickshaws during the drive.
Police officials said closed rear covers can obstruct a driver’s view of vehicles approaching from behind. This may increase the risk of collisions when autorickshaws overtake or turn, particularly at busy city junctions. The police have therefore instructed drivers not to install closed covers on their vehicles.
Officials also raised a passenger-safety concern. Fully covered autorickshaws can prevent people outside the vehicle from seeing passengers inside, including women and children. The police said the removal of the covers would help improve visibility around the vehicle and allow passengers to remain more visible during journeys.
During the inspections, autorickshaw drivers were instructed not to overload their vehicles, use mobile phones while driving or operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol. Drivers were also asked to carry valid registration certificates, driving licences, fitness certificates and insurance documents.
The police issued additional instructions for autorickshaws transporting schoolchildren, asking drivers to take extra precautions. Vehicle registration numbers and the emergency helpline number 112 must be displayed behind the driver’s seat in a position where passengers can see them.
The enforcement drive links vehicle design and operating practices to both road safety and passenger oversight. For autorickshaw users, the visible registration number and emergency contact are intended to make it easier to identify a vehicle and seek help when necessary. For drivers, the instructions add compliance requirements to the existing need to maintain vehicle fitness and carry valid documents.
Police said violations would attract fines under the Motor Vehicles Act. Vehicles involved in serious violations may be seized, according to officials. The inspections will continue across the NTR commissionerate limits, and the traffic police have appealed to autorickshaw drivers to cooperate with the drive.
