KATHMANDU: Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD) has started setting up booths where the traffic is heavy, with a view to preventing taxis from overcharging.

“We started the move from New Road, the commercial hub, with many complaints of fleecing, today. We’ll gradually be expanding the service to Thamel, Durbarmarg, Baneshwor and other places of Kathmandu,” said DIG Binod Singh.

“There will be a booth between Bishal Bazaar complex and the New Road gate, manned by a traffic personnel. S/he will collect complaints from the public about taxis and tempos and alert other officials about the same,” he added. The MTPD also receives complaints via SMS and telephone calls.

MTPD also held a meeting regarding the fleecing by cabbies today. “Whenever a consumer feels that the cabbies have been overcharging, the victim can simply walk up to the traffic personnel and lodge the complaint,” Singh clarified, adding, “In a few days, booth will be in place.”

The Division has also hiked the fine slapped on a defaulting cabby from Rs 200 to between Rs 1,000 and 5,000, as per the law.

“We will keep an eye at places where taxis abound. They will be taken action against on the spot in case of fleecing or refusing to go to an asked destination,” says DIG Singh. Banners will also be put up at places to inform the public about the initiative, while additional police personnel will be deployed, he added.