KATHMANDU: Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD) has broadened its action against taxis unwilling to operate on metre reading.

The traffic police will make monitoring extensive following an outpouring of grievances against the taxicabs from the commuters. MTPD's Joint Spokesperson Mukunda Marasini said the authorities have been taking action against 50 to 70 taxis on a daily basis for not complying with the rule to follow metre reading when charging fare. 'Earlier, around 15 to 20 taxis fell under the action, but now our action has intensified,' he said. He also urged the commuters to dial 103 to inform against any cabbies unwilling to travel on metre reading. The MTPD has been charging fine ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 to cabbies violating the rule. Spokesperson Marasini added that 30 police officers have been deployed in the streets of Kathmandu to monitor the taxis. Around 4,000 taxis have already faced legal charges at the hands of MTPD in the ongoing fiscal year for non-compliance.