Errant drivers of CNG-run autos are going to lose their driving licences for overcharging passengers with a cynical disregard for using meters.
The government will go heavy-handed with the wayward drivers with steps like cancellation of their licences for not running meters during trip.
Sources said a monitoring committee has been formed under road transport and bridges ministry at the directive of the High Court.
It has decided to supervise and receive passengers' allegations against the errant drivers.
A first-time offender's licence will be suspended for 15 days.
The suspension will be for three months and six months for second and third time for the same offence.
According to sources, further complaints may cancel the licence for good.
Officials said the panel, led by an additional secretary of the ministry concerned, met on July 12 and discussed the matter.
The watchhdog's decision was shared with the autos’ leaders on Sunday, the sources added.
It will also inform the drivers of the matter in another meeting soon.
The ministry formed the team after the higher court had issued a rule against persistent unfairness and wrongdoing in public transport.
The committee comprises members from the police force and Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
"We discussed the issue in the first meeting and decided to cancel driving licences on various terms," said a member of the committee.
Allegations against drivers are commonplace, he added.
The member, however, said the committee will address the issues of other modes of transport in phases.
He said stickers with phone numbers will be pasted on all the three-wheelers in Dhaka city for the sake of the commuters.
Anyone can file a complaint immediately after a driver's refusal to run and maintain a meter.
The BRTA will operate the phone calls, he added.
Sunday's meeting, however, requested the committee to introduce the system slowly as the drivers should be sensetised to the plan first.
Earlier, the government tried to discipline the CNG auto service several times but failed due to non-cooperation from both the operators and owners.
The running of CNG meters could not be maintained for resistance and lack of political support.
