The state government has started a survey to identify car driver rental centres in and around Calcutta as the first step towards drawing up a database of such agencies.

The transport department has been getting complaints against drivers hired from such agencies.

The allegations range from misbehaviour with senior citizens to overcharging. Some drivers stand accused of rash and negligent driving.

There are no guidelines — from the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) or under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) — for car driver rental agencies, senior officials in the transport department said.

“None of the agencies is bound by any specific law or rule. The state government wants to address this,” a senior transport department official said.

“The regional transport officers have been instructed to draw up a list of car driver rental centres. The officers will locate the centres and record the names and other details of the owners.”

Once the list with the names of all such agencies has been drawn up, the state government will ask the owners to register themselves with the transport department after paying a token amount.

In the meantime, the department will draw up a set of guidelines for them.

“Basics like the antecedents of the drivers, their driving experience, proof of residence and other details will have to be made available by the centre owners to the government before they apply for registration,” the official said.

“We won’t interfere in the business but will ensure that the mandatory guidelines are adhered to.”

Many people across the city who often hire drivers from agencies said there are no clear terms and conditions.

I had to pay extra because the driver drove woefully slow on a foggy night to ensure I reached the destination after midnight,” said a resident of south Calcutta. The rates increase post-midnight.

Several others said the agencies do not spell out whether the users have to pay for the driver’s snacks or what to do if a driver speeds through a busy road.

“The driver drove very fast to drop us off because he had to take a local train home to Naihati,” said Mira Basu, a Dum Dum resident.

Some centres said trouble arises when car owners misbehave with drivers or deny them their legitimate dues.

“No driver will risk his job by behaving badly with the customer,” said Arun Kumar Yadav of Jai Hanuman Driver Service on Manoharpukur Road.

“We charge Rs 580 for six hours within the city. Subsequently, it’s Rs 60 per hour. After 10pm, Rs 150 is charged as driver’s transportation fee. Past midnight, another Rs 150 is added.”

Transport department officials said what is left unsaid is what happens if the car owner finds the fuel has been used up during his stay in a mall or a theatre.

“What happens if I don’t get to spot my car after my work is over and the driver remains unreachable?” asked the official. “It isn’t clear what will happen if I realise that the driver has sold my car in my absence. The centre owner may be arrested, but what if the vehicle lands up in the hands of criminals?”

Some of these issues will be addressed in the operational guidelines that will soon be drawn up, transport department officials said.