Ambulances used as ‘taxis’ in Shimla, 7 vehicles challaned

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) on Wednesday fined seven ambulances for carrying passengers, instead of patients, on the Mall and Ridge that are catrgorised as restricted roads in the town.

After receiving several complaints about the use of ambulances as “taxis” on the restricted roads, the RTO officials checked 12 ambulances at a check post set up on the Ridge.

A fine of Rs 3,000 each was imposed on offenders. Anil Sharma, an RTO official, said the RTO had been receiving complaints that ambulances were being used to carry passengers on the restricted roads of the town, especially the Mall and Ridge.

He said for the first offence, a challan for Rs 3,000 was issued. The offender would be fined Rs 10,000 for second offence and it could go up to Rs 25,000 if the practice continued, he added.

“The ambulances can only carry emergency patients via restricted roads. We have issued challans for the first time. If the ambulances continue with the practice, the amount of fine will increase and we will also impound the vehicle,” he said.

Being popular tourist attractions, the Ridge and Mall are categorised as restricted roads and no vehicles apart from ambulances and vehicles of the President and Governor are allowed on these roads.