434 e-rickshaws booked, 117 Seized in citywide drive

Lucknow: A day after TOI highlighted back-to-back incidents of sexual harassment involving women commuting in autos and flagged that many autos lacked QR codes mandated for police verification, Lucknow Police launched an enforcement drive for public safety on Wednesday.In the drive against illegally operated e-rickshaws violating traffic rules, 434 vehicles were challaned and 117 others were seized.The drive covered all five police zones, with teams inspecting 2,201 e-rickshaws at key locations, including Charbagh railway station, Alambagh and Kaiserbagh bus stations, Hazratganj, Gomti Nagar, Munshi Pulia, PGI, Chowk and Aminabad.Officials said action was taken against drivers operating without valid documents, violating traffic norms, ferrying passengers beyond permissible limits and obstructing traffic by parking at unauthorised spots.Zone-wise data showed that the highest violations were recorded in the western zone, where 778 vehicles were checked, leading to 190 challans and 44 seizures. In central zone, 553 vehicles were inspected, 26 seized and 100 challans were issued.In southern zone, 379 checks resulted in 78 challans and 28 seizures. In the eastern zone, 279 vehicles were examined, with 44 challans and five seizures, while the northern zone recorded 22 challans and 14 seizures out of 212 inspections.Joint commissioner of police (law and order) Babloo Kumar said drivers were sensitised about traffic regulations, need to carry valid documents and adherence to safety norms. He urged operators to follow rules strictly to ensure commuter safety and smooth traffic flow.