CHENNAI: As many as 400 vehicles seized for traffic offences by regional transport offices (RTOs) and police across Tamil Nadu and lying unclaimed will be auctioned in the coming weeks.
Abandoned in government depots, they include two-wheelers, autorickshaws, private cars and taxis. While most were old vehicles, some were less than two years old when they were impounded.
The authorities are empowered (under Section 18A of the TN Motor Vehicle Taxation Rule, 1974) to seize a vehicle when the owner does not pay the mandatory taxes, permit fee or fine amount for more than 90 days.
Notices were sent to owners to take back their vehicles but there was no response even after three notices, said a RTO from Chennai region. “So, we have no other option but to auction them,” he added.
The auction location and time has been uploaded on the state transport department’s official website (https://tnsta.gov.in/homepage). Rates will be decided by a four-member committee in each of the RTOs and police stations and will be released only on the day of auction.
In the auction last year, the vehicles were sold at less than 10% of their original value because of their poor condition, as they were exposed to rain and sun without any shelter or maintenance for months.
K Kathirmathiyon, a transportation activist, said auctions at regular intervals will not only fetch better revenue for the government but also free up space at parking lots.
Also, the registration certificates (RCs) of vehicles bought for scrap should be cancelled. Or else miscreants could use these vehicles registration numbers for stolen vehicles elsewhere, he added.
