THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If the fare meter is not working in autorickshaws operating in the state, it will be considered as free travel, the Transport Commissioner's circular has said. The decision was taken considering that charging excessive fares without operating the meter has been causing conflicts with passengers and drivers across the state. The proposal submitted by Kochi native K.P. Mathias Francis to the Motor Vehicles Department will be implemented from March 1.

Under this scheme, autorickshaws must display a sticker stating "If the fare meter is not working, journey is free" in both Malayalam and English. This sticker should be placed prominently for passengers to see. Failure to display the sticker will result in disqualification from the fitness certificate test for autorickshaws starting on the same date. Additionally, penalties will be imposed on drivers operating without the required sticker.

If the disqualified autorickshaws operate taxi services, a large amount of fine will be collected from the drivers. These proposals will also include the conditions for passing the fitness test. RTOs, enforcement officers and joint RTOs have been instructed not to consider autos that arrive for the test without a sticker.