From September 1, it will be mandatory for all auto drivers to wear a uniform and have a photo I-card. The administration has also shortlisted five sites for parking autos.

"The I-cards will link each auto driver to the particular pre-paid stand they belong to," says District Magistrate, Deepak Aggarwal.

The drive will be conducted in phases and the booths will be set up at Maharajpur, Lal Kuan, Old and New Bus Depots, Hapur Chungi and the Railway Station.

"This way the nuisance of illegal autos plying in the city will be checked. The prepaid system would also saves commuters from harassment," says Anuj Pandit, a resident of Kaushambi.

As per the agreement between the traffic police and the district administration, the traffic police will manage the prepaid taxi booths and the prepaid auto booths will be managed by the district administration.

"The idea is to bring safety to the commuters and discipline the auto drivers. The system will also rule out cases of over charging and help weed out criminal elements from the city," says Aggarwal.